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Historic commission approves mural for 124 South Lebanon Street
Summary
The Lebanon Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness for a community mural to be painted on the north wall of 124 South Lebanon Street; the artwork, by Pamela Bliss, is grant-funded and expected to begin in July.
The Lebanon Historic Preservation Commission on June 3, 2025, approved a certificate of appropriateness for a mural on the north-facing wall of 124 South Lebanon Street.
The mural, to be painted by artist Pamela Bliss and funded through a grant administered by the Boone County Economic Development Corporation, is intended to celebrate Lebanon’s past and present. The commission’s staff described the building as a contributing structure in the Lebanon Courthouse Square Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
HPC staff emphasized the artistic nature of the project and deferred aesthetic judgment to the public and stakeholders. As Derek (staff) told the commission, "HPC staff does not provide a recommendation for murals, or artwork in general just because of the nature of artwork. What I like might not be something that you like and vice versa." The design was developed by a small committee that included the Boone County EDC, property owners, Heart of Lebanon representatives and HPC staff.
The mural’s imagery, as presented to the commission, includes a portrait of the building owner’s grandfather overlooking scenes intended to represent community events and local history: July 4 celebrations, agricultural life, catenary lights in Chop House Alley, the courthouse’s stained-glass dome, local flowers, a hickory/cedar tree reference tied to the town’s name, the Big Four Trail and a cardinal symbol. Artist Pamela Bliss described the work and timeline: "Well, something this big, I usually say anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks because the weather always screws everything up." Bliss estimated the mural would cover most of the wall — "about 80‑plus feet" long and roughly two dozen feet at its highest point — and said she would use appropriate surface priming to maximize longevity.
Property partner Bart Jackson spoke for the ownership group and said he left artistic details to professionals: "I left it to the professionals," he said. Heart of Lebanon volunteer Missy Cruellick voiced local support during public comment, and Boone County EDC CEO Andrea Kern said the project will make a meaningful difference for downtown Lebanon.
Commissioners moved and voted to approve the certificate of appropriateness without conditions; the motion carried with unanimous aye votes. Derek confirmed the project’s funding source and that work was expected to begin in July, with on-site painting and prep work to follow.
The commission’s approval covers the mural design as presented; the record shows the commission did not add design restrictions beyond the standard COA process. The applicant and contractor will follow typical permitting and surface-preparation requirements, including the primer/sealer recommendations Bliss described, and the building owner said those prep steps have been included in contracting plans to ensure durability.
The mural project is one of several public-art and facade initiatives planned for downtown Lebanon this year and will proceed under the usual local permitting process.
