The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (HRCAA), as part of a pilot program in Douglas County, has wrapped three traffic control cabinets with art in an effort to beautify Highlands Ranch roadways. The project was completed in collaboration with Douglas County Public Works Department and was funded in part through a grant from the Scientific Cultural Facilities District.
“We are thrilled to see the wrapped utility boxes come to life,” said Jamie Noebel, Director of Community Relations for HRCA, who oversees the HRCAA. “Besides adding some nice scenery to your daily drive, we believe that this project will increase exposure to all public art in the community.”
The wrapped boxes are located at University and Highlands Ranch Parkway, Broadway and Highlands Ranch Parkway, and Lucent and Highlands Ranch Parkway.
The art on the boxes was designed by students from Arts Street, a creative industries training program under the Youth Employment Academy. The wraps were installed by Public Art Collective, who has completed similar wraps in the neighboring communities of Lone Tree and Castle Rock.
Public art wraps are designed to protect utility boxes and have been shown to help deter graffiti vandalism of the utility cabinets, resulting in cost savings over time. The art wraps are also designed so they can be installed to allow unobstructed access to cabinet components.
“We consider the first phase of this program a huge success and with approval from Douglas County, hope to add more boxes in the future,” said Noebel.
HRCAA is a 501(c)(3) organization operated by the HRCA to provide funding and leadership to support educational, artistic, musical, theatrical, and dance events and artwork to Highlands Ranch residents and the surrounding communities. More information on HRCAA.