Huber Heights commission backs student-led outdoor mural; contractor to coordinate with Athletic Foundation

The Huber Heights Arts & Beautification Commission voted to move forward with a community mural proposed by 17-year-old student artist Katie Caplinger and to have staff contact the local Athletic Foundation to secure permission for a proposed site.

Caplinger told the commission she wanted the mural to honor local athletes and teach residents about the city’s history. “I am 17. I swim through the YMCA … and I am part of the YMCA National Athlete Committee,” she said, describing a project to “honor the athletes that have come before us and anybody else that we could find” to inspire future generations.

Commissioners heard from MSA Design, a Cincinnati-based environmental graphic design firm led by Chelsea Sanders, who introduced the firm and its experience in translating designs into permanent installed work. Alexis Estoyde, a graphic designer with MSA Design, described the firm’s approach to community-driven projects: “We work in environmental graphic design … taking it from a 2-D into the 3-D world.” Sanders and Estoyde said their usual process includes stakeholder interviews but that they were prepared to adapt to work directly with Caplinger as the local artist lead.

The commission discussed practical questions including whether the mural would be outdoors and painted, how to protect it for longevity, and potential locations. Caplinger and the firm indicated the mural would be painted outdoors and that they would pursue protective materials to maximize lifespan. Caplinger identified a potential site “on the side close to the post office possibly,” near an overhang she noted. MSA Design staff said they would inspect surfaces and materials and recommended a site visit to check brick condition, glaze, and any surface variation that could affect legibility; they also said panels could be used if the brick proved unsuitable.

Commissioners and designers raised sign-ordinance issues. A member noted that some municipal ordinances distinguish art from signs and that text or advertising could change classification; the design team offered to check zoning and sign rules for the proposed location. The transcript includes a reference to “City of Dayton ordinances” in that context.

The commission also discussed schedule and logistics. MSA Design proposed a flexible schedule that could be completed in about 15 weeks including community interviews and production, but said that timeline could be shortened if stakeholder steps were reduced. The firm said it was staffed to begin work as soon as the commission authorized the next steps and that Alexis would be the primary contact for project work.

Formally, a motion was made to proceed with the project and to communicate with the Athletic Foundation to confirm site availability and partnership. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; the record does not identify the mover, seconder, or individual named votes.

Next steps agreed on during discussion: staff will contact the Athletic Foundation to confirm whether the foundation will permit a mural on the athletic facility wall and to identify any restrictions; MSA Design will perform a site visit and advise on materials and durability options; Caplinger will continue to develop design concepts with the design team. Commissioners also asked staff to check sign and zoning rules for the chosen location.

Votes at a glance: the commission approved the motion to proceed with the mural and to contact the Athletic Foundation by voice vote (mover/second not specified; individual vote names not recorded in the transcript).

Why it matters: the mural project pairs a local youth artist with an experienced design firm and could produce a visible, long-term public artwork intended to reflect Huber Heights history and local athletes. The decision sets in motion site-permission, zoning/sign review, and design work that will determine whether and how the mural is installed.