New Public Art Commission for Safeway Retail Plaza

HYATTSVILLE, MD – Just months before the latest “lifestyle” Safeway arrives alongside a collection of new shops and restaurants, ECHO Realty and Hyattsville Community Development Corporation are pleased to announce that a new work of public art will be commissioned for the entrance gateway to the East-West Highway-oriented commercial development at University Town Center (UTC) in Prince George’s County. A Call-for Artists for the $44,000 commission has been released, and installation is slated for mid-October, 2015.

The artwork will be positioned east of America Boulevard, located in the outdoor pedestrian plaza / seating area outside Safeway, in clear view of the entrance ‘gateway’. With its proximity to new shops, medical offices, restaurants and the anchor grocer, the Call for Artists will seek themes engaging or evoking healthy foods, healthy diet, healthy appearance, and healthy living; and will welcome approaches of an interactive nature, encouraging pedestrian engagement.

A “lifestyle” Safeway will join current anchor Regal Royale 14 Cinemas, alongside new additions including Phenix Salon Suites, Unleashed by Petco, Town Center Wine & Spirits, Le’s Nails and Spa, together with a yet-unnamed prominent corner restaurant. Additionally, Medstar will be locating at the Gateway with a major Prompt Care and medical facility. Existing UTC development assets include attractive condominiums, office buildings, student housing, and an outdoor plaza with fountain. The creation of Safeway as the newest major anchor at UTC, and the development of the adjoining shops and parking structure fronting East West Highway form a conspicuous part of a multi-phase transformation of Hyattsville’s Prince George’s Plaza Transit District.

To learn more about public art in Hyattsville, visit http://hycdc.org/public-art. For the latest news on the University Town Center, visithttp://universitytowncenter.com. For information regarding ECHO Realty, visithttp://echorealty.com.