Coral Springs commissioners postpone decision on exterior mural project at Museum of Art downtown
Coral Springs, Florida – Plans for a new exterior mural at the Coral Springs Museum of Art hit a pause this week as city commissioners decided to delay approval, citing concerns about timing, design, and alignment with downtown development goals. The proposed artwork, titled “We Rise” by artist C.J. Hungerman, had been selected from a competitive pool of 64 submissions in an open call for artists, according to Tina Jou, director of the city’s community development department.
The mural, designed to feature organic shapes, clouds, and floral icons, was envisioned to reflect the spirit of the Coral Springs community and complement the museum’s branding as well as its downtown location. The city’s public art committee had praised the project for its creativity and relevance, noting that it added a vibrant, modern element to the urban landscape.
However, several commissioners expressed reservations about the design and the timing of its installation. Commissioner Joseph McHugh said, “When I first saw the artwork, I was kind of like, oh, that’s a little different. I do think it needs to involve Coral Springs in some fashion, whether it’s the Everglades, the Florida panther, an alligator, something.” McHugh’s comments highlighted a desire for public art to more directly reflect local identity and natural features unique to the area.
Timing was another significant factor in the decision to delay. Commissioner Shawn Cerra emphasized the importance of allowing downtown Coral Springs to develop further before adding exterior art. “It just wasn’t aligning in my head with our strategic plan and the timing of it,” Cerra said. He suggested that interior murals within the museum could be considered once more businesses and restaurants are operating, ensuring that the downtown environment is fully engaged with public art.
Commissioner Joshua Simmons echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think just generally it’s too soon.” Several commissioners indicated that while public art is important, it must be integrated thoughtfully into a downtown area that is still growing and establishing itself. The discussion reflected a balancing act between encouraging creativity and maintaining strategic urban planning priorities.
In the end, commissioners voted to continue discussions on the exterior mural at a later date, leaving the project in a state of temporary limbo. A related agenda item, which proposed allocating $30,000 for two additional murals near the Modera Coral Springs apartment complex, did not advance after commissioners declined to make a motion.
Mayor Scott Brook sought to reassure the public art committee, saying, “None of this is personal. Upon reflection, we should have shared with [the committee] our particular interest as a commission in being more engaged with the art request.” He called for an apology to the committee, emphasizing that the decision to postpone was not a reflection on the quality of the submitted work but rather a matter of timing and community alignment.
The delay illustrates the city’s careful approach to public art integration amid the ongoing growth of downtown Coral Springs. Residents and art enthusiasts will have to wait as commissioners revisit the mural project, balancing artistic vision with strategic urban development and community identity.
