Fishweir Crossing Roundabouts (RFQ)

Seeking qualified artists to design and fabricate a sculptural piece of public art within one or both traffic roundabouts located on either side of Fishweir Creek, along Herschel Street and St. Johns Avenue in the Riverside Avondale Historic District of Jacksonville, Florida.   

The Art is central to a larger vision involving the roundabouts, Fishweir bridge, and adjacent public property, and will set the tone for future improvements. The total project will include landscaping, feature lighting, a traffic pedestal, and improvement of the adjacent rights of way, Fishweir Bridge and sidewalks. Landscaping and engineering design services will be provided under a separate contract. The final Art piece will be placed on a traffic pedestal designed to fit the art. 

• RFQ Release date June 1, 2026
• RFQ Questions deadline June 9, 2026
• RFQ Submission deadline June 30, 2026
• Finalists Selection date By July 15, 2026

Call Description

Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) and the Fishweir Crossing Roundabouts Planning Committee (the “Planning Committee”) is seeking qualified artists to design and fabricate a sculptural piece of public art (“the Art”) within one or both roundabouts located on either side of Fishweir Creek, along Herschel Street and St. Johns Avenue in Jacksonville, Florida.   

The Art is central to a larger vision involving the roundabouts, Fishweir bridge, and adjacent public property, and will set the tone for future improvements. The Art should reflect the character, the communities, and the natural environment that converges at this location. 

The total project will include landscaping, feature lighting, a traffic pedestal, and improvement of the adjacent rights of way, Fishweir Bridge and sidewalks. Landscaping and engineering design services will be provided under a separate contract; however, the artist will be expected to provide input to and coordinate with the landscape and engineering consultants.

The final Art piece will be placed on a traffic pedestal designed to fit the art. Both the Art and the pedestal must be compliant with the rules and regulations of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the City of Jacksonville (COJ). 

Selection Process

The Fishweir Crossing Roundabouts Art Selection Panel (the “Selection Panel”) will review the RFQ submissions and select up to three qualifying artists, who will then be asked to prepare conceptual design proposals for a paid stipend of $2,500 each, inclusive of travel and lodging. These site-specific design proposals will be expected to clearly define the Art piece in scale and materials and be suitable for public distribution and fundraising.  An information session will be scheduled and held for the finalists to submit questions and meet key partners including the Planning Committee, representatives from the FDOT and COJ. 

The submitted conceptual designs will be reviewed by the FDOT and COJ for safety and maintenance considerations. If deemed suitable, the concepts will be presented to the community for their input after which the Selection Panel will choose one Artist to develop the final design. 

Final Design Phase

The final design will require review and approval from the FDOT and COJ. The Artist will also coordinate with the engineering and landscape design team to produce a final submittal for permitting with COJ. The Planning Committee will review and approve the final submittal prior to construction and fabrication of the Art. Installation of the Art will be accomplished in conjunction with an FDOT certified contractor. 

Artist Budgets

Conceptual Fees: Up to three finalists will receive $2,500 each, inclusive of travel and lodging, for the development of a conceptual design proposal. 

Artist Fee: $50,000, inclusive of travel and lodging, for the design, fabrication and transportation of the Art to the site. 

The design, construction and installation of the traffic pedestal will be under a separate budget.

Overall Project Budget

The overall project budget is expected to be $150,000-$200,000. Other budget items include engineering/landscape design services, installation by a FDOT certified contractor, and a long-term maintenance fund.

Background 

In 2022, two roundabouts were installed by FDOT, on State Road 211 at both intersections of Herschel Street and St. Johns Avenue. They have eased traffic flow, eliminated stop lights, and added crosswalks. Today, the roundabouts are a frequently traveled part of the neighborhood with utilitarian value, but without aesthetic coherence or distinction. Neighbors reached out to RAP for help in making improvements. A volunteer Fishweir Crossing Roundabouts Planning Committee was formed to develop a plan and oversee the process.

The goal of this project is to create a distinctive landmark that enhances the connection between the neighborhoods of Riverside-Avondale, Fairfax Manor, Lakeside Park, and Ortega; that engages key businesses along Herschel Street and St. Johns Avenue; and that celebrates our cherished Fishweir Elementary School. The Planning Committee hopes this project will pave the way for the further revitalization of Herschel Street. We want to create a beautiful, walkable, bikeable and drivable corridor which supports a successful commercial and cultural district.

Evaluation Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated on their portfolio and resume based on:

• Artistic Merit – demonstrating conceptual approach and cultural context.
• Success with past projects – resume demonstrates relevant experience including completing projects on time and within budget.
• Public art experience with municipalities and organizations such as local, state and federal government entities, public private partnerships, nonprofits or corporations.
• Community engagement and collaboration

Final design must meet FDOT Technical Criteria. 

1. Sculpture must be 7 feet in diameter, or less.
2. Height limitation is 25’, including pedestal.

The Planning Committee will provide finalists all pertinent FDOT and City of Jacksonville technical specifications and directions on or before the finalist information session and prior to the conceptual design phase.   

Key Dates*

• RFQ Release date June 1, 2026
• RFQ Deadline for questions June 9, 2026
• RFQ Deadline for submissions June 30, 2026
• Panel selection of finalists By July 15, 2026
• Info session for finalists  July 21, 2026
• Conceptual design phase for finalists July 24 - September 30, 2026
• FDOT, City, and Community Review October 1 - December 1, 2026
• Selection of final artist/design concept By December 15, 2026

Riverside Avondale Preservation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the improvement of the neighborhood.  The organization is serving as the host and fiscal sponsor for the Fishweir Crossing Roundabouts project.  

The Planning Committee is comprised of neighborhood stakeholders, RAP staff, and design professionals from Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Fairfax, Lakeside Park and surrounding area.  

The Selection Panel is comprised of qualified arts professionals, community members, and COJ staff.

Letter of Interest: (1 page): Describe your interest in the public art project and how your practice aligns with its goals, highlighting relevant experience. 

Resume: (up to 2 pages per entry) Resume should illustrate public art projects previously commissioned, completed and paid for, highlighting those completed for a governmental agency and those which included a public involvement component. Artists applying as a team must include resumes for all team members.  

Portfolio: Up to 6 images of completed work plus image description for each, including title, year, materials, dimensions, project context, budget and commissioning body.

References: Names and contact info for 2-3 past clients or commissioning bodies

Additional Information: Description of any previous work completed in connection with COJ, the FDOT, or any similar government entity.

• At least 18 years of age
• Ability to create durable artworks suitable for the Florida climate and compliant with FDOT and COJ regulations.
• Not currently employed by the city of Jacksonville, the Florida Department of Transportation, or Riverside Avondale Preservation.
• Experience with engaging with the community and collaborating with others.