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Summerville board conceptually approves mural for Bethany UMC, leaves materials to staff review
Summary
The board conceptually approved a mural for the rear metal wall of Bethany UMC (118 West Third South Street) facing Aelia Park, requiring the church to return with final artwork and for staff to approve materials; the mural is not visible from the public right of way and the board cited the UDO as the governing standard.
The Summerville Board of Architectural Review gave conceptual approval to a mural proposed for the rear metal wall of Bethany United Methodist Church at 118 West Third South Street, but asked the church to return with final artwork and to allow staff to confirm materials.
Michael Ritter, the church minister, said the mural is intended to support the church’s annual living Christmas story and to provide a permanent piece of art visible primarily from Aelia Park and adjacent paths. “We’re looking at trying to do something for the living Christmas story … that would enhance the living Christmas story and then also be something there for the kids,” Ritter said.
Staff told the board the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requires murals to be reviewed by the Board of Architectural Review but noted this mural will not be visible from the public right of way. Staff recommended approving the concept while leaving final material choices (hand paint versus wrap, how ridged metal would affect application) to staff approval or returning the final material and execution method to the board for review.
Board members discussed whether a painted mural or a wrap is appropriate on the ridged metal surface, and whether the design’s level of detail is achievable; one member suggested the church consult a muralist about surface suitability. The board voted to approve the concept and directed the church to return with finalized image files and material specifications or to allow staff to approve material choices consistent with the presented concept.
Next steps: the church will provide final artwork and a materials plan to staff; the board retained final review authority over content changes but authorized staff to approve the material application method if the design remains substantially the same.
