New Davis Neighborhood Will Feature Innovative Public Art and Sculpture Trail

Davis, CA —Bretton Woods, the new active adult housing community to be built in Davis has released a Request For Proposals (RFPs) for 10–11 sculptures for the neighborhood’s art and poetry trail. The pieces will be installed along the 1.5-mile trail through the arboretum-like setting. Developer Dave Taormino is commissioning the pieces. Proposals should be submitted to CODAworx by March 24. 

“Public art is part of the fabric of what makes Davis such a special place to call home and we wanted to infuse this spirt into Bretton Woods. These sculptures will help define our unique art and poetry trail and inspire both residents and visitors to the new neighborhood. “I’m excited to see the proposals and find pieces that truly connect with the vision of our community,” said Taormino.  

Voters approved Bretton Woods in November 2018 as a neighborhood that comprises numerous, greenways, paths and trails with 345 homes in a range of sizes and options. It also includes 150 affordable senior apartments. Located north of Covell Boulevard and just west of Sutter Davis Hospital, the one-story homes will be “right-sized” for active aging adults who are interested in being part of a new community in a home that fits their life stage. Although 80 percent of the units will be for individuals who are 55 and older, 20 percent will be open to younger buyers. The new neighborhood will also contain an Activity and Wellness Center with a homeowners’ clubhouse, restaurant and fitness facility with a coffee bar and medical offices. 

Inspired by the UC Davis Arboretum, Bretton Woods will feature 2.6 miles of walking paths that include the innovative art and poetry trail. The neighborhood will be bordered on the north and west sides with an oak tree forest and the interior trails will be lined with native plants, trees and shade structures. The trail will have 10–11 sculptures and close to two dozen poetry stops with shade and seating available so residents and visitors can stop, picnic and connect with neighbors. 

The RFP calls for sculptures that relate to nature and animals, appeal to a wide range of ages, reflect the community and elicit contemplation and whimsy. Two of the selected pieces will be specifically for children with the idea that they will climb, play and have fun. These pieces should make a great spot for photos.  Because oak trees are integral to the Davis environment, two sculptures will be selected that incorporate oaks or acorns. Pieces should be constructed in highly durable, low-maintenance materials that are suitable for outdoor display and can handle the Davis climate. 

Davis has a community of artists and art enthusiasts and Taormino is looking forward to submissions from local artists. To ensure the farthest possible impact locally, Bretton Woods Partners distributed the RFP to the numerous arts groups in Davis, as well as the City and UC Davis. It is also available on the Codaworx website so any interested artist can determine if their work is a possible fit for the neighborhood. 

For more information about the RFP process, please contact CODAworx at (608) 467-3040 or email team@codaworx-rfp.com. 

To learn more about Bretton Woods please visit https://brettonwoodsdavis.com.

Article published by the Davis Enterprise on Sunday, March 15, 2020: https://www.davisenterprise.com/business/developer-puts-out-call-for-artists/