Advisory Board: Alamo Municipal Advisory Council
Subject: Utility Box Wrapping Proposal
Information:
SUMMARY / OBJECTIVE
This report outlines a proposal to wrap County-owned utility boxes in Alamo with high-resolution historical photograph vinyl wraps as an alternative to hand-painted artwork. This effort aims to celebrate Alamo’s local history, deter graffiti, and enhance the visual aesthetic of key intersections along Danville Boulevard. Approval and feedback are requested from the Alamo MAC to move forward with project coordination, encroachment permitting through Contra Costa County Public Works, and funding allocation from the CSA R7.
BACKGROUND & VENDOR MODEL
The County Public Works Department is currently running a program for painting county-owned utility boxes, requiring interested artists to submit a Design Review Package and Encroachment Permit Application through District 2.
To explore alternative decorative approaches, staff reviewed the successful utility box wrap initiative in the neighboring City of Lafayette. The City of Lafayette utilized high-resolution historical photo wraps printed and installed by Sequoia Signs at an approximate cost of $1,000 per wrap (including printing and installation). The City of Lafayette Public Art Committee liaison also offered access to their local graphic designer who prepared and formatted the digital photo files for production.
PROPOSED APPROACH: HISTORICAL WRAPS VS. PAINTED ARTWORK
• Durability & Anti-Graffiti: Vinyl photo wraps provide a clean, uniform finish and serve as an effective deterrent against recurring graffiti on prominent utility boxes.
• Historical Preservation: Applying archived photographs directly connects specific street corners to Alamo's heritage and historic landmarks.
• Cost Efficiency & Maintenance: Vinyl wraps offer predictable upfront costs (~$1,000/box) with standardized replacement/repair options compared to custom multi-day painted murals.
PROPOSED LOCATIONS & HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPH MATCHES
Location 1: Corner of Jackson Way and Danville Boulevard
• Utility Box Features: Prominent, larger, and wider "horizontal" utility box format. Historic entry area to the former Humburg Ranch.
• Proposed Historical Photo: 1910 Humburg Ranch Photo or 1945 Shoe Store / Hay & Grain Photo
o Option A: 1910 Humburg Ranch Photo Archive <http://archive.cocohistory.org/confpics.php?ID=47&desc=%27ALL%27&locn=%27Alamo%27> - A wide-angle historical view of the Humburg Ranch, fitting the wide proportions of the Jackson Way box.
o Option B: 1945 Shoe Store and Hay & Grain Photo Archive <http://archive.cocohistory.org/confpics.php?ID=8945&desc=%27ALL%27&locn=%27Alamo%27> - Showcases historic retail structures in their exact historical location.
Location 2: Corner of Stone Valley Road and Danville Boulevard
• Utility Box Features: High-visibility intersection adjacent to former Humburg Ranch land; currently prone to recurring graffiti.
• Proposed Historical Photo: 1880s / 1890s Alamo Grammar School Photo
o Option A: 1890s Alamo Grammar School with Bell Tower Archive <http://archive.cocohistory.org/confpics.php?ID=35&desc=%27ALL%27&locn=%27Alamo%27> - A vertically oriented photograph featuring the historic school building and bell tower once located directly across the street (current Chase Bank site).
o Option B: 1870s Alamo Grammar School Archive <http://archive.cocohistory.org/confpics.php?ID=33&desc=%27ALL%27&locn=%27Alamo%27>.
Future / Additional Considerations:
• Tesla Utility Box at Alamo Plaza (Jones Ranch): Explore wrapping the large Tesla utility box near Alamo Plaza with a 1910 photograph of Jones Ranch featuring Mt. Diablo (1910 Jones Ranch Archive <http://archive.cocohistory.org/confpics.php?ID=1&desc=%27Jones+%27&locn=%27Alamo%27>).
FUNDING SOURCE & FISCAL IMPACT
It is proposed that County Service Area R-7 (CSA R-7) funds be utilized to cover the estimated costs of printing, file preparation, and installation ($1,000 per box, plus minor graphic design preparation fees).
NEXT STEPS / RECOMMENDATION
1. MAC Review & Input (November 2 Meeting): Solicit feedback from the Alamo MAC on the proposed concept and photo selections.
2. Subcommittee / Landscaping Committee Input: Coordinate with MAC members overseeing local landscaping and streetscape aesthetic projects.
3. Permitting & Coordination: Work with Public Works to complete the required Encroachment Permit / Design Review Package and coordinate digital file setup with Sequoia Signs and local graphic design support.