Commerce City was commissioned by Eugene and Marilyn Glick, founders of the Gene B. Glick Company and the Glick Philanthropies. The Glick Foundation’s goal of helping youth reach their full potential through education and life experience is similar to that of Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, for whom the sculpture was originally built. Commerce City acknowledges the work of Junior Achievement and reflects on how a city is formed by its forces.

Jeff Laramore has a rich background in design and communication. Over the course of his career, he has received national recognition for works in many mediums. In the past decade, he has focused on three-dimensional, site-specific executions that strive to bring people together, while capturing and embodying a spirit of place.