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 MATCHE...
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