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Spencer approves town-hall mural concept and awards $2,000 historic-preservation grant
Summary
The board approved concept art for a large mural by artist Max Dowdle and awarded a $2,000 Historic Preservation Incentive Grant to a homeowner for chimney repair; the mural project budget and interpretive QR-code plan were discussed.
The Spencer Board of Aldermen unanimously approved concept art for a large mural to be painted on the side of Spencer Town Hall and voted to award a Historic Preservation Incentive grant to a homeowner for chimney repair.
Skye Allen introduced muralist Max Dowdle, who presented a multi-panel design celebrating local labor history (panels include representations of Saboney people at Shallow Ford, textile and factory workers, grocery employees, educators and a streamlined Southern Railway locomotive). Dowdle described the project as painted directly on the stucco wall; he and the mural committee intend to add QR-code panels to provide historical context and creation documentation.
The project budget cited in materials was $19,056, and staff said the town has already paid a $3,000 concept/design fee; the board approved the concept and will consider the Historic Preservation Commission review at its next meeting.
Separately, the board approved a Historic Preservation Incentive Grant request for homeowner Katie Sweeney (212 North Salisbury Ave.) for up to $2,000 to repair and waterproof a failing sandstone chimney. Mr. Harris explained the program reimburses up to 50% of eligible private costs: "if she spends $4,000 we will reimburse her $2,000," he said, and staff will inspect invoices before reimbursement.
Both votes were unanimous.
