Ogden City Municipal Building

Ogden City Council seeks to commission an artist or artist team with the Ogden City Arts staff,
project architects, and the 3rd Floor redesign committee to explore public art opportunities for
the 3rd Floor stairwell in the Ogden City Municipal Building. The selected artists or artist team
will help design and create public art that will be placed in the building. The selected artist or
artist team will be expected to collaborate with the Design Firm, the selection Committee and
Ogden City Arts to develop a concept that aligns with the vision for the third floor, and level of
quality of the building.

INTRODUCTION

Ogden City Council seeks to commission an artist or artist team with the Ogden City Arts staff, project architects, and the 3rd Floor redesign committee to explore public art opportunities for the 3rd Floor stairwell in the Ogden City Municipal Building. The selected artists or artist team will help design and create public art that will be placed in the building.  The selected artist or artist team will be expected to collaborate with the Design Firm, the selection Committee and Ogden City Arts to develop a concept that aligns with the vision for the third floor, and level of quality of the building.  

 
Budget: $ 100,000    
Deadline: July 18, 2025 

Ogden City Municipal Building – Public Art Opportunity 

The Ogden City Municipal Building has served as a cornerstone of local government since its completion in  1938. Originally designed to house the state courthouse, the county jail, and government offices, the building continues to serve as the administrative hub of Ogden City, accommodating key offices such as the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and Finance Division.  

Recognized for its architectural and historical  significance, the Municipal Building was added to the 
National Register of Historic Places in 1983 as one of Ogden’s finest examples of Art Deco design. Designed by Leslie S. Hodgson and Myrle A. McClenahan, and constructed under the supervision of George A. Whitmeyer & Sons, the building exemplifies the craftsmanship and innovation of its era. 

Standing twelve stories high, the building features a grand east-facing entrance, framed by a terra cotta-trimmed pavilion, with symmetrical side wings that gradually step down from the central structure. The entrance is flanked by period Art Deco lamps, while the building's interior retains much of its original character, including marble dados, intricate metal and wood trim, decorative plasterwork, era inspired light fixtures, and patterned flooring.  

Constructed during the Great Depression as part of a federal relief program, the Municipal Building consolidated Ogden City and Weber County government offices into a single, centrally located facility. Built at a cost of nearly $1 million, the project was partially funded by the Public Works Administration (PWA), with Ogden City and Weber County each contributing additional funding. The building stands as a lasting testament to the impact of New Deal programs in shaping American communities.  

In 1996, a community-led effort successfully preserved and restored the historic structure. A seismic retrofit, designed by a consulting engineer, involved installing a specially designed steel frame through the roof and floors to reinforce the structure. Marble repurposed from the original building was used for baseboards and windowsills. Additional renovations included new woodwork, light fixtures, and modernizing office spaces, ensuring that the building could continue to serve the city’s governmental needs. The renovation was completed in 2000, and the building remains a vital part of Ogden’s civic and architectural heritage.  

PROJECT GOALS  

The city seeks an art piece that reflects not only the strong architectural heritage of the Municipal Building itself but also reflects the vibrant and rich heritage of Ogden City. Ogden is unique among Utah cities--an historic railroad town built on hard work, entrepreneurship, grit, determination, and creativity, values that remain core to the community today. The beautiful natural landscape surrounding the city is also an integral part of the city’s attraction. Ogden’s defining features—its core values, uniqueness, history and beauty have attracted a diverse community of residents that embrace every aspect of Ogden.  These residents deserve a public art piece that captures these elements.   

PROJECT DESCRIPTION  

The Ogden City Municipal Building, a cherished historical landmark, presents an exciting opportunity for an artist or artist team to create a public art installation that celebrates its rich Art Deco heritage while remaining relevant and engaging for the contemporary community. This commissioned artwork should honor the building’s architectural legacy and civic significance while serving as an inspiring focal point for residents and visitors alike.  This art piece will be a prominent element in the building and will be seen by residents and visitors alike. It is important that the piece reflect the project goals, as stated above. The selection committee seeks an artist or artist team capable of producing work that is both timeless and forward-thinking—art that reflects the elegance and geometric motifs of Art Deco while fostering a contemporary connection to the people and culture of Ogden.  

Artists and creative teams are invited to submit their qualifications for this project, which will enhance the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Municipal Building. The third floor houses the offices of City Council staff, the Council workroom, and the City Council Chambers. As part of the redesign, a commissioned art piece will be prominently installed in the stairwell area, where it will be highly visible and integrated into the building’s aesthetic. 
 
The project’s vision will need to align with the third-floor design currently being developed by  VCBO Architecture. The selected artist will collaborate with the 3rd Floor Redesign Committee, City Staff, the architectural team, and members of the Public Art Sub-Committee to develop and refine concepts before fabrication and installation. This collaborative process ensures that the final artwork will complement both the historical significance of the building and the community.  

Artists who specialize in three-dimensional works are strongly encouraged to apply. Proposals incorporating integrated lighting elements are welcome, as the artwork should maintain a striking presence both in daylight and at night. The selection committee is particularly interested in works that celebrate the building’s unique design, respond to the historic and cultural identity of Ogden, and create an immersive experience for those visiting the Municipal Building.  

This project is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a beloved civic space by blending historical reverence with creative vision, ensuring that the Ogden City Municipal Building remains a beacon of artistic and cultural significance for years to come.  

MEDIA & MATERIALS  

Artworks could be created using diverse media, including, but not limited to hanging or secured/installed sculptural applications. Durability and ease of maintenance are important at this location.  Media and materials must be suitable for interior display, such as glass, 
fiber/textile, filiment, metalwork, stainless, bronze type sculpture.   

SITE PHOTOS AND PLANS 

The selection committee has identified the site for public art inside the open stairwell between second and third floors.  The art piece will be visible from both floors. Selected artists or artist teams will be required to coordinate and communicate closely with the project Design and Construction team, and the selection committee in order to construct art in a way it can be installed/attached to the building. The art piece will require structural and electrical engineering (if applicable), selected artist will be required to provide engineering documents prior to installation.   

For art pieces that might be suspended from the ceiling, the ceiling will likely be able to accommodate a hanging art element, but may require structural reinforcement, depending on the weight and structural design of the art piece. Based on a preliminary evaluation by a structural engineer, an art installation weighing between 500 and 800 pounds should be structurally feasible, depending on the method of attachment to the existing structure. The artist (artists team) should plan to work with a licensed engineer to create a structural support plan for the artwork as needed within the art budget.   

BUDGET  
The budget for this commission is $100,000. 

These funds come from the City of Ogden.  This contract amount is inclusive of all costs associated with the project including, but not limited to: the artist’s or artist team’s design fee, other consultation fees such as structural engineering consultations, structural/electrical engineering documents, insurance (including Utah Workers Compensation), tools, materials, fabrication, transportation, permits, installation, any building or site modification required, travel to and from the site, per diem expenses, project documentation, a contingency to cover unexpected expenses, and any other costs.  No additional costs will be reimbursed by the City of Ogden. For all work performed on city property, prevailing wage requirements will be applied.  

1. Letter of interest of not more than 700 words. This letter should include the artist’s reasons for interest in this project in particular.  In doing so, the artist should also describe how his/her work and/or experience relates to the project. For instance, the artist may include a description of how your past work informs how you would approach this project.
2. CV/Resume- Submit a current resume (no more than two pages in PDF format) that highlights your professional accomplishments as an artist. If applying as a team, please submit one resume with one page per team member.
3. Professional References- (up to three) Provide contact information for references that have experience working with you, or in-depth knowledge of your art and working style in the public realm.
4. Ten (10) images of previous site-specific public work created by the artist. All image formats must comply with the CaFE specifications and sizes.

Ogden City Arts will not be responsible for applications delayed or lost due to technical errors. Faxed or emailed applications cannot be accepted.    

The Selection Committee reserves the right to withhold the award of a commission or rerelease the call for entries.   

DEADLINE  
Complete application must be RECEIVED on or before July 18, 2025 by Midnight, MDT.  

ELIGIBILITY  

Resident US citizen or legal resident artists/artist teams. Utah artists are strongly encouraged to apply.  Employees of Ogden City are not eligible to apply for this commission.  This project is open to artists nationally.