Commission approves mural at former Star Tavern after heated discussion over process and public input

The Chehalis Historic Preservation Commission voted May 21 to approve a mural proposed for the side of the former Star Tavern / Royal Bakery building, after extended discussion about process, public notice and the commission’s role in reviewing murals on historic properties.

Experience Chehalis representatives told the commission the mural concept originated with Lewis County and has been under development for about four years. The organization said the county paid an artist roughly $10,000 to create the design and later relinquished the artwork; the original artist has since retired and Experience Chehalis said revisions are not possible. The mural depicts local themes and landmarks including the railroad and other downtown features.

Some commissioners and members of the public objected that the commission had not been engaged earlier in the mural’s design process. "It seems like it's completed without any input from us at all," one commissioner said, asking for earlier engagement on future projects. Others argued art is subjective and noted that the design committee that developed the mural holds meetings that are open to the public; Experience Chehalis said those committee meetings are available for anyone to attend.

Experience Chehalis described the mural as nonstructural paint on a wall that has been prepared to receive artwork; a representative said the project was timed to try to complete the work before a summer festival. "In ultimately, it's just paint. It's not structural," a staff speaker said. The commission discussed the building's status: the wall is within the city historic district, but not all speakers agreed the building itself is individually listed on the state or national register.

Despite process concerns and requests for better coordination, the commission moved to vote the same evening and approved the mural. Commissioners asked Experience Chehalis and staff to develop clearer procedures for future public‑art reviews and to invite at least one commissioner to attend design‑committee meetings so the commission can provide earlier input on subsequent projects.

Commissioners and Experience Chehalis agreed to improve communication going forward; staff said they will work to clarify how murals and other artistic proposals should be routed to the commission and when committee meetings should include a commission representative.