Project Name: Van Dyke Mural
ABOUT THE APPLICANT
Are you applying as a:
DDA or CID
What is the entity’s name:
City of Warren Tax Increment Finance Authority
What downtown area or business corridor does it serve?
City of Warren Van Dyke Corridor
Website URL
https://www.cityofwarren.org/government/c-e-d-development/tax-increment-finance-authority/
Twitter Handle:
City of Warren
Facebook Handle:
City of Warren
Instagram Handle:
cityofwarrenmichigan
What is the name of the primary contact for this entity’s application/project?
Dylan Clark
What are their preferred pronouns?
He/him/his
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Where will your project take place? (please include city/village too)
23838 Van Dyke, Warren, MI 48089
Anticipated project launch date
July 20, 2023
Briefly describe your project idea including your role and any project partners.
A mural on the corner of Stephens & Van Dyke will welcome folks driving on Van Dyke into Warren. It will be a symbol of the effort and resources we have been and will continue to put into (South) Warren, an area that has been in need of investment. DDA, TIFA, City of Warren, Anton Art Center.
How do you plan to spend the $5,000 microgrant? Please list and explain the items, services, fees, expertise, etc. that you plan to purchase.
The $5,000 will be spent on procuring paint and other necessary supplies, and used to pay the artist for their work.
Will your project require special permits from the community you are in? For example, anything that requires a street closure or installing a permanent art piece will likely require a special permit from your local governing body or zoning board. If your project is funded, the MML Foundation is happy to help you navigate that process. Please note that all applicants must obtain any necessary permits for their projects, if selected for funding.
Unsure
Rachel’s Notes about the Project
Reviewed 4.24.23. Confirmed member status. Confirmed artist and that artist will be paid. Confirmed LOS. Confirmed photos. Businesses are 1.2 miles away from each other. Applied as a TIFA which Helen says falls under Commercial Improvement District. Question for jury: will the distance between businesses weaken activation?
Will collaborate with former grantee Anton Art Center.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
Why does your community need this project?
In general, there is a lack of focus on art in Warren, which is something we plan to address in a multitude of ways. Our south end, particularly along Van Dyke is a main corridor but needs attention. We have addressed this through development and beautification efforts, and this mural will signal to those entering Warren that the south end Van Dyke Corridor is important and cared about.
How will you engage your community in this project?
We will engage the community by having folks send in suggestions for what the mural ought to depict. This will either be done through surveys, roundtables, or potentially contests among our art students.
What do you hope to achieve through this project?
We hope to continue the beautification of south Warren’s Van Dyke Corridor, have a symbol welcoming folks into Warren, convey a sense of place and investment in our south end Van Dyke Corridor, and have an attraction around which Warren residents can gather and capture and enjoy.
How will the project celebrate the community’s diversity? Diversity can include different ages, races, cultures, socio-economic statuses, abilities, and more.
This project will celebrate the community’s diversity as the mural itself will convey a sense of place and celebrate Warren in a way that is accessible and appreciated by all ages, races, cultures, etc. This mural will welcome folks into south Warren, which is the most diverse area of the City. As we engage the community and receive feedback about what the mural will depict, we will engage with people of all backgrounds.
What resources do you already have to make this project successful? Resources could include things like time, partners, expertise, donated goods/materials/space, matching funds, and more. Please approximate the in-kind value if possible.
We have a relationship with Anton Art Center out of Mt. Clemens and they will provide advice and recommendations. We have support from City-Employees, our TIFA Board, and our DDA Board. Our TIFA Board, will be responsible for this mural and incur any costs beyond the grant.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Artist First and Last Name:
Wendy Popko
Artist Website (If Applicable): https://paintwhip.blogspot.com/
Artist Facebook Handle
Wendy Popko
Artist Twitter Handle
WendyPopko
Artist Instagram Handle
wendypopko
Describe the artist’s or artists’ work. This is not about credentials—what do they do as an artist?
Visual artist with experience in public art installations, customized murals, pet portraits, illustrations, stamp designs, canvas paintings, mixed media, and area rugs. She works with municipalities.
How will the artist be involved in this project?
The artist will work with our team and community feedback to create a piece of art that will be placed onto the wall as a mural, acting as a focal point for Warren and an entryway into the south end’s Van Dyke Corridor.
ABOUT THE PARTNERS
Business 1: Business Name:
Battery Warehouse
Business 1: Business Type:
Retail
Business 1: Business Owner First and Last Name:
Ronald Gerst
Business 1: Physical Location Address
23838 Van Dyke, Warren, MI 48089
Business 1: Twitter Handle (If Applicable)
Business 1: Facebook Page Link (If Applicable)
Business 1: Instagram Handle (If Applicable)
How will this partner be involved in the project?
The owner of Battery Warehouse is a member of our TIFA Board and is also the owner of the building where the mural will be placed.
Business 2: Business Name:
Twins Auto Repair
Business 2: Business Type:
Service
Business 2: Business Owner First and Last Name:
Hassen Charara
Business 2: Business Physical Location Address:
21233 Van Dyke, Warren, MI 48089
Business 2: Twitter Handle (If Applicable)
Business 2: Facebook Page Link (If Applicable)
Business 2: Instagram Handle (If Applicable)
How will this second partner be involved in the project?
The owner of Twins Auto Service owns multiple businesses in Warren, and multiple buildings along the Van Dyke Corridor. He is on the TIFA Board as well.
Do you have additional partners (business, non-profit, etc.)?
Yes
What are their names?
Other businesses along the corridor that we have relationships with, on and off of the TIFA Board.
What role(s) will they have in the project?
Those members of the TIFA Board will help steer the project, and fund.
Are they located within the same downtown or business district as the project?
Yes.
Will your local municipal government be involved in the project? If so, how?
Yes. The Director of the DDA/TIFA is also the Community and Economic Development Director. He and myself, along with other City employees will work closely with the project and steer it through the TIFA Board and community feedback.
Please upload a letter of support on letterhead for your project from your local governing body (mayor, city/village manager, city/village council member).
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IMAGE UPLOADS
Image Caption 1 (if any): Battery Warehouse Wall-Location of Mural
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Image Caption 2 (if any): Intersection of Stephens and Van Dyke
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