Fort Scott design board approves concept for Gordon Parks mural but flags historic-preservation limits

The Fort Scott City Design Review Board approved a concept for a mural honoring photographer Gordon Parks but required the artist’s final rendering and additional review because State Historic Preservation Office rules limit where and how murals can be applied in the city’s historic district.

The vote, taken at a regular meeting of the board, approved the concept and included a condition that the board review the artist’s final rendering before moving to a final approval. Kirk Sharp, the project presenter, told the board the project team has applied for a Kansas Arts Commission grant and is awaiting a panel review next Monday.

Why it matters: the mural is intended to strengthen Fort Scott’s cultural tourism and local recognition of Gordon Parks, a nationally known photographer who the project team says chose Fort Scott as his hometown. Board members and staff said historic-preservation rules and grant requirements could require the artist to use mounted panels or other attachments rather than painting directly on unpainted masonry.

Board discussion and conditions

Kirk Sharp described the proposal as an effort "to show honor and tribute to Gordon Parks and his wonderful career," and said the team is seeking grant funding and community support. The artist identified in the proposal is Bobby Bayock; project supporters including building owner Kennedy Jennings expressed enthusiasm for the idea.

A staff member summarized State Historic Preservation Office, or SHPO, guidance for the board: "It is a violation of SHPO standards to paint on brick that has not been painted before for murals." The staff member said SHPO guidance also discourages murals on corner buildings and requires review when projects receive state or federal grant funding.

Board members suggested practical alternatives if SHPO declines direct painting on unpainted brick, including mounting painted panels attached through mortar joints or placing the artwork on a previously painted wall. Several members asked the project team to develop backup locations and materials and to provide a final artist rendering to the board before any installation.

Funding and schedule

Sharp told the board the Kansas Arts Commission application has advanced to panel review, but that the commission’s funding has been reduced and future grant availability is constrained. Sharp said the project team is seeking other funding options if the commission cannot fully fund the mural.

Formal action and next steps

Martha Jane, a Design Review Board member, moved to approve the mural concept with the requirement that the board review the artist’s final rendering; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board recorded the requirement that the finalized artwork return to the board for review and that the project comply with SHPO guidelines and any grant conditions.

The board directed the project team to consult with SHPO, prepare alternative materials or mounting methods if necessary, and return with the artist’s final rendering. Sharp said he would pursue the grant panel review and continue to develop contingency materials.

What the board did not decide

The board did not grant final approval to paint directly on the proposed building’s masonry. Board members noted uncertainty about long-term durability of painted brick and the need to comply with SHPO rules; they asked the project team to present final designs and materials for a subsequent vote.

The board also discussed several potential alternative wall locations within the city and the need to inspect and stabilize candidate walls before installation, but did not select a substitute site during the meeting.