Public Art Bike Rack Designs Unveiled at Downtown Norfolk Council Member Briefing
Norfolk, VA – At its monthly meeting for the membership, the Downtown Norfolk Council introduced the
artists and unveiled the designs for five new bike racks that will also be pieces of public art. The bike racks
will be strategically located throughout the downtown area. Prior to the introduction of the artists, DNC
chairwoman Donna Phaneuf, President VIA Design introduced Frank Duke, Director of Planning and
Community Development for the City of Norfolk.
Mr. Duke reminded the audience that “Providing Transportation Choices” is one of the nine major themes
in the City’s plaNorfolk 2030. To achieve the goal of being a more “bike friendly” city and downtown, he
advised that recommendations are being developed that would incorporate requirements for bicycles in the
City’s zoning ordinance. With the advent of Light Rail and the opportunities for Transit Oriented
Development, changes to the city’s parking requirements are also being developed for recommendation.
Each of the artists described their work and the inspiration behind it. They also identified where their
particular bike rack would be located. Upon introducing each of them Donna Phaneuf, President expressed
her enthusiasm for what the bike racks will add to the downtown landscape. “A part of making downtown
memorable to visitors is adding the intrigue and whimsy of public art. A part of providing more
transportation options and making downtown more environmentally sensitive is adding bike racks that
support a more health conscious populous. The bike racks that are also public art do both and DNC is
thrilled to be able to add these great amenities to downtown.
Once the concept was approved by the DNC Board of Directors, a Request for Proposal was given wide
circulation within the designer community. An independent committee reviewed all of the submittals and
selected the artists. Each artist is responsible for the fabrication of their own design and then with the help
of the Downtown Norfolk Council, the bike racks will be installed.
“We are thrilled with the response we have had to this program and we are very grateful to the support that
we have received from both our property owners and from the City as we sought to find spaces in the public
right-of-way,” said Cathy Coleman, President of the Downtown Norfolk Council. “With everyone working
hard, it is our plan to have the bike racks complete and in place by Spring of 2011.”
Please see attached for a rendering of each design and a short bio of each of the artists.
The Downtown Norfolk Council is a private, not-for-profit membership organization comprised of
businesses and individuals working toward a dynamic, attractive and prosperous Downtown. DNC also
manages the Downtown Norfolk Improvement District, a 48-block Special Services District providing
enhanced services that keep Downtown friendly, safe and spotless.
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Edwin J. Pease, AIA
Lillian S. Pease
Ed Pease, an architect, lives in Williamsburg, Virginia and commutes by bike in a rural/suburban context, while
Lillian Pease, an artist and designer, lives in Brooklyn, NY and bikes to work in that dense urban setting. Ed has over
30 years experience as an architect currently serving as an Adjunct Instructor in the Dept of Art & Art History, College
of William & Mary as the Founder and Principal, Edwin J. Pease Architect and as the Senior Designer with Hands On!
Inc in St. Petersburg, FL. Lillian a graduate of The Savannah College of Art and Design works in the fashion industry
in New York City. She has exhibited her art work in Savannah, GA, Lacoste, France and Norfolk, VA.
Wes Cheney
Wes Cheney, until starting his own business this Fall, was a photographer and videographer for Norfolk Southern
Corporation. A graduate of Old Dominion University Wes also served in the US Navy as a Photographer’s Mate,
Second Class. While working with Norfolk Southern Wes has collaborated with a variety of other professionals in the
design, fabrication and installation of complex photographic murals. Wes brings the experience of collaboration to this
project by partnering with Norfolk Machine and Welding and Precision Powdercoating.
Bill Spivey, RLA, APA
Land Studio PC
Bill is a Landscape Architect with in-depth experience in master planning and site design development. He enjoys the
challenge of special use sites, community planning and revitalization projects. He is involved in a wide variety of
projects ranging from grading and detailed design drawing for specific site elements to large scale master plans. Bill
has received award recognition for design from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, The American
Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and The Council of Landscape Architecture Registration Board
(CLARB). The creativity, passion for well developed conceptual design, and practical approach he brings to the
design process assist in making projects successful.
Peter Johnston
5forty Design, Inc
Peter is one of the founders of 5forty Design an industrial design firm located in downtown Norfolk. A graduate of
Virginia Tech, Peter is particularly interested in designing and fabricating sustainable furniture and creating
installations for sustainability-minded buildings. His experience includes custom furniture for private residences to the
fabrication and installation of sculptural pieces in commercial properties.
Thom White, AIA
Thom holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and is an Architect at Ivy Architectural
Innovations. He's a resident of Port Norfolk, where he and his wife are renovating a house built in 1895. He is the
singer of the local band Whispering Winds and is a founding member of FUNHAUS spatial improvisation group.
www.funhaus.blogspot.com
The Buoy
Designer: Peter Johnson, Norfolk, Virginia
Location
North/West corner of Waterside
Secures at least 4 bikes
U Lock
Designer: Wes Cheney, Norfolk, Virginia
Location
SE Corner of Commercial Place and Main Street at Norfolk
Southern’s entrance
Secures at least 6 bikes
The Mermaid
Designer: Bill Spivey, RLA, APA
Norfolk, VA
Location
North side of City Hall Avenue between Court and Bank
Streets
Secures at least 2 bikes
Bike Frame Collage
Designer: Edwin J. Pease, AIA
Williamsburg, VA
Location
TCC Plaza between Granby Street and Monticello
Avenue
Secures at least 2 bikes
The Flat Iron Fork
Designer: Thom White, AIA
Norfolk, VA
Location
Flat Iron Park between Bute and Charlotte Streets
Secures at least 6 bikes