» Delmar Loop

The Hive at Delmar Loop Transfer Center. Photo by Dan Donovan.

Last night, a story on KTVI discussed the installation of two public art pieces at MetroLink’s Delmar and Richmond Heights stations, asking why Metro had spent money in that way. We tackled this question last October when Metro President and CEO Bob Baer was interviewed for the story, and we did a short video about the Hive artwork at Delmar.

But we think the answer to the question of why we install art at transit stations is relatively simple: It’s required as a condition on the funding we get through the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) and it’s a valuable way to enhance public transit as a vital part of our community.

Under the Transit Enhancements Section of FTA regulations, a transit agency in a region with a population of 200,000 or more must spend at least 1 percent of the federal funds it receives on projects that enhance transit activities. While one percent is the FTA minimum, communities often spend more to ensure that transit enhances, rather than detracts from, the urban landscape. The FTA requires that level of spending because it believes the visual quality of the nation’s public-transit systems has a profound impact on transit customers and communities at large. Public-transit systems should be positive symbols for cities to attract local riders, tourists and the attention of decision-makers for national and international events. Good design and art can:

•    Improve the appearance and safety of a facility
•    Give vibrancy to public spaces
•    Make customers feel welcome
•    Contribute to the creation of livable communities.

How does art help accomplish that?

•    More attractive spaces add value to the homes and businesses around the transit plazas
•    People take better care of more attractive spaces, which reduces the cost of repairing vandalism
•    It attracts customers, adding to a sense of safety and comfort while using the space
•    Regions enhance their public spaces to attract tourism

An added bonus is the financial impact on the community through the employment of local engineers and fabricators used on the projects.
Let’s look at how much was spent on the Hive sculpture at the Delmar Transit Plaza in July 2009.

•    FTA grant: $69,291
•    Local matching funds required by the FTA: $17,322
•    A total of $86,613

How much was spent on the Mime sculpture at the Richmond Heights MetroLink Station in July 2009?

•    Local capital funds from the Cross County project: $140,000

These artworks are installed across Metro’s system by our Arts in Transit program, which began in 1986 to coordinate the efforts of artists, engineers and architects in the design of the MetroLink light-rail system. It has since installed many public art pieces, as well as developed a curriculum guide for teachers, coordinated ongoing community projects, and installed literary works in buses and trains.

Questions about our public art in transit? Leave your comments below.

In July 2009, Metro installed the public art piece Hive by sculptor Janet Lofquist at the Delmar Transit Plaza on the corner of Des Peres and Delmar Avenue.  Public art is one aspect of the federally-mandated transit enhancement projects that Metro completes each year, and is an important component of the vitality of public transit.   Public art in transit helps improve the appearance, use and safety of our system, and to date more than 150 art projects have been installed and/or performed through our Arts in Transit program.

Watch below to find out more about Hive and why transit agencies like Metro invest in public art.

Because it’s Friday, I’m in the mood to share a little happy here. The other night I had a great evening out at the Delmar Loop. My friend and I met for beverages and dinner at Blueberry Hill, probably the most iconic destination on the Loop. Because it was a gorgeous night and the street was hoppin’, we strolled up and down, peering into shops and galleries, enjoying the crowd and the vibe.

Delmar Loop is one of those spots in St. Louis that really has a feeling of “place” – it has a character, it feels like a cohesive neighborhood. There’s no question that people are drawn to its glow like moths – there’s never a spot to park on the streets and usually the public parking is full, too. That’s a good reason to take MetroLink – the Delmar Loop station drops you off right at one end of the Loop, and you can make a whole evening of strolling up one side of the street and back down the other.

The street is packed with unusual and interesting sights, both in the stores and on the sidewalks – there is an abundance of public art, interestingly-dressed people, books and quirky knick-knacks for sale…even the business signs are nice to view. You can shop for furniture, gifts, or a computer; see a rock n roll legend in concert; eat fondue, Thai, sushi, or burgers; drink fresh-brewed root beer or elaborate coffee creations; drink a martini and try to bowl a few strikes; and spend hours flipping through old records.  What’s not to love about the Loop? And with this amazing summer weather we’re having, and open access to the Loop via MetroLink and Metro Bus, there’s always a fun evening to be had under the stars.