Design review panel approves Hart Thrift Store mural at 39 W. Columbia St.

The Evansville Design Review Committee voted April 22 to approve a permanent mural on the Baker Street elevation of the Hart Thrift Store at 39 West Columbia Street.

The application was presented by John, the property owner, who said he plans a roughly 7-by-8-foot painted mural that will include the store name and a slogan. “Stack it deep and sell it cheap,” John said when describing the design and slogan chosen to attract attention.

Committee staff reminded John the mural qualifies as a sign under the city’s permitting rules and advised him to obtain the appropriate permits and complete the planning office’s site review process. The staff member noted the planning commission office handles sign permits and that applicants should file there (Room 312 was referenced during the discussion). The mural was described in the application as permanent.

John told the panel he has a long association with the building, saying he owned it “at least 37 years ago,” that it had been vacant for about 10 years and that he is now leasing and renovating the space. He said a local artist who lives five blocks away will paint the mural and that he has received some repeat customers since reopening.

A committee member moved to approve the mural application; another member seconded and the motion carried. Committee members and staff did not record a roll-call vote during the meeting; the motion was approved at the meeting.

Next steps noted by staff included filing for sign permits with the planning office and completing site review for the business if not already done. No code citations or ordinance numbers were provided during the discussion.

The panel moved on to other agenda items after completing the mural approval.