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Planning commission approves revised downtown mural, requires artist video via QR code
Summary
The commission approved a design-review amendment for a mural on South Market Street after hearing that an additional business owner had requested changes; the commission added a condition that a QR code link to an artist-produced video explaining the mural be posted and approved by planning staff.
The Inglewood Planning Commission approved a revised mural design for a one-story commercial building in the historic core (201 South Market Street), subject to a condition requiring a QR code linking to a short video in which the artist explains the artwork.
Planner Shawn May described the project as part of a Global Village Murals initiative tied to the city’s transit connector and upcoming major events. The revised mural features ten silhouetted figures with a galaxy-like color field and embedded images of local landmarks; the artist said the silhouettes include local residents and references to the Forum and SoFi Stadium.
Mona Lisa Whitaker Aund, representing Inglewood Open Studios, said the design changed after the project team discovered an additional business owner of the building who preferred a different appearance. Business owner Saison Evans said the original design did not represent his planned upscale restaurant and lounge; artist Patrick Henry Johnson described shifting to silhouette imagery to represent community members and to respond to stakeholder concerns. Several commissioners expressed concern the mural work began prior to final commission approval and asked for clearer documentation of the engagement process.
After extended discussion about balancing the business owner’s preference, the artist’s intent and community representation, a motion to affirm categorical exemption EA-CE-2026-063 and approve DR26-000024 with a condition that a QR code link to an artist video be placed on the site (video content to be approved by planning staff) carried on a roll-call vote with Commissioners Fowler, Tjo, Shaw Williams and Chairman Springs recorded as voting in favor. The planning department reminded the applicant of the 10-day appeal period under the Inglewood Municipal Code.
Commissioners asked staff to consider plaque or interpretive signage and recommended the artist and Open Studios provide materials that explain the mural’s meaning for passersby; the QR code condition is intended to give context for viewers who cannot view the site up close.
