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ILPC approves permanent mural for 314 West State Street
Summary
The ILPC approved an application to paint a permanent mural on the west elevation of 314 West State Street after finding the work compatible with applicable preservation standards; commissioners and staff emphasized materials specifications for varied substrates.
The ILPC voted to approve an application to paint a permanent mural on the west elevation of 314 West State Street in the Downtown West Historic District.
John Perry, who identified himself as "the executive director of the program," told the commission the owners were approached by local artists three to four months ago and submitted a mock-up for the west-facing elevation, saying the mural would "improve the view from the street" and the experience of people entering and exiting DSS. Preservation staff explained the mural is treated as art under the district rules and must comply with the district's alteration review process.
Commission readers reviewed a written resolution that summarized the property's significance in the Downtown West Historic District and referenced the Secretary of Interior standards for rehabilitation. Unidentified Speaker 3 read the findings of fact and concluded, "be it further resolved that the ILPC approves the application." The commission found the proposal would not remove distinctive materials or have a substantial adverse effect and that it is compatible with the size and scale of architectural features.
During questioning, commissioners and staff noted the proposed paint would cover multiple substrates at the rear elevation, including vinyl siding and shiplap, and emphasized the need for material specifications. Staff said primers and paint types were included in the application materials and warned that some paints used for murals can have long-term impacts on historic materials. Commissioner questions focused on ensuring vents, a window and the roofline would be delineated and that the mural would not be applied to original historic fabric.
The resolution reading and approval closed the public portion of the review; staff recorded that written comments had been received but no members of the public signed up to speak at the meeting. The action was recorded on the record by the commission as an approval of the application.
The commission did not specify a resolution number on the record; staff will follow up on implementation details and material specifications as part of the permit and compliance process.
