Commission approves memorial mural on non-historic rear wall of library

The Top Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a memorial mural on the south side of the public library, granting an exception to its guideline that discourages painting previously unpainted masonry.

Lisa Burch, director of the library, told the commission the mural would be sited on the Chestnut-side wall between two windows and dedicated in honor of Diana. "I've looked at all your guidelines," Burch said, "and I know that it says not to paint onto not previously painted brick, but it also says murals will be considered on a casebyase basis. And I'm hoping we can get it approved." She said the library's youth services committee selected a butterfly design and plans to plant a pollinator garden near the artwork.

A commission member who reviewed historical maps and records said the wall in question is part of a mid-1980s addition rather than the original historic structure. The member said, "This having been constructed in the mid 80s is a newer style brick that's not as subject to degradation through moisture," and argued that makes an exception less risky than painting original historic masonry.

Burch also relayed artists' input: one artist suggested mounting the piece on a removable panel, but the artist Krie Johns cautioned that a panel could warp and might not be durable. Commission members said that, when the commission departs from its standard guideline, the reasons should be recorded to avoid creating an unintended precedent for other applicants. Members also noted the proposed location, with trees and its position on a side street, reduces the likelihood the mural would distract drivers.

A motion to approve the mural "as all the names that we discussed with being the memorial on the back side of the building which is not the main structure" passed after a voice vote. The transcript records "motion passes," but does not list a roll-call tally; the mover for the mural motion is not specified in the record. The commission earlier approved the minutes for its previous meeting after noting minor clerical corrections; Don Harvey moved and Janet Bishop seconded that motion.

The commission's approval is recorded as an exception to the preservation guideline for unpainted masonry; the decision includes an instruction to document the rationale for the exception. The commission adjourned after the vote and noted materials would be distributed ahead of the next meeting date referenced in the record.