The City of Jackson today announced that two new foundations have come forward to help finance the construction of CP Federal City Square in downtown Jackson. Jackson County’s Phil & Pat Willis Foundation and Dawn Foods Foundations both were pleased to contribute funds eliminating 30% of the funding gap towards the Glidden Parker Mural Project.
The project calls for construction of a new facility in Horace Blackman Park that will not only protect and preserve the 9 foot by 28 foot mural designed by famed artist Glidden Parker, but will include an art exhibit viewing area, a stage for outdoor music and art performances, and a drop-down projector for the popular movie nights in downtown Jackson.
Funding for the project began with the success of two competitive grants: $50,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts, and $75,000 from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The rest of the $394,000 total raised was from the Jackson Public Arts Commission, CP Federal Credit Union, and the Weatherwax Foundation.
Jackson City Council voted to award the $624,330 contract to construct the mural at their most recent meeting in July. To date, city representatives – spearheaded by Vice Mayor Derek Dobies – have worked to reduce the roughly $230,000 funding gap between the funds raised and construction bid.
“We’ve reduced construction costs and are working to raise the rest,” said Dobies, who estimates the City has about $100,000 left to raise. “This project has been such a catalyst for a number of development projects downtown. It’s encouraging to see community leaders stepping up to make this project whole and make sure it gets done.”
Dobies said he will continue to work toward gap funding for the project before it’s completion, and has reached out to a number of foundation and business leaders in the community.
“Any effort to improve Jackson’s downtown and highlight the arts is an effort we can get behind,” trustee Pat Willis said. “We hope the preservation of this unique mural and the improved park amenities will encourage area residents to enjoy what downtown has to offer.”
President of Dawn Foods Foundations Sarah Richmond echoed Willis’ remarks, and said the area business is excited to be a part of such an important piece of downtown’s revival.
“CP Federal City Square will serve as a focal point of the city’s downtown placemaking effort in Jackson,” said Richmond. “As a member of the Anchor Initiative, we know structures like this make Jackson a more attractive place for people to live and work – and that will further attract talent and spur economic development downtown. It’s a win-win.”
Those interested in helping with the project can contact Vice Mayor Derek Dobies at derekdobies@gmail.com or call him at (517) 499-6647.