Southaven approves I‑55/Stateline beautification murals; contract awarded

Whitney Cook, Southaven’s planning and development director, asked the Board of Aldermen to approve a contract to install two public-art elements at the Interstate 55/Stateline Road entry to the city: a large abstract mural on the noise barrier wall near City Hall and banner-style designs on the overpass. "What we're asking for is, approval of the contract, with this gentleman," Cook said as she introduced the designer's proposals and the associated estimates.

Cook described the wall treatment as an abstract design in community colors intended to be visible from the highway. She said the sound-barrier wall is roughly 20 feet high and that the proposed mural’s estimated length is about 300 feet; in staff comments she described the wall project as approximately 2,900 square feet with labor and design estimated at $145,000 and a separate overpass element with its own line-item estimate. "We usually have one large project a year," Cook said, noting the work fits inside the city beautification budget line.

Mayor (name not specified) urged support, saying the installation would improve the city’s first impression for drivers entering from Tennessee and tie in with other monument and gateway improvements. After brief questions about the overpass locations (Stateline Road at I‑55) and visibility for drivers and school placement, the board moved to approve the contract and carried the motion by roll call.

The board discussed a multi‑phase approach; the mayor and staff said a third phase — an exterior collage on the renovated municipal court building visible from the interstate — would be considered for a later fiscal year. The project will proceed under the city’s beautification appropriation for the current fiscal year.

The board approved the contract; staff will take steps to finalize the agreement with the selected mural designer and to schedule work consistent with permitting and budget timing.