Chicago is a city of murals. Drive down a major street in virtually any neighborhood and you’ll see some wonderful murals on both public and private walls. For example, the Pilsen neighborhood is home to some of the most provocative and beautiful works of art.
As an individual who loves art, I appreciate the vibrancy that murals bring to a neighborhood. And as a property manager, I’m here to share with you that murals not only add value to a neighborhood, they can also add value to a property.
Here’s a piece of research that caught my eye. In 2019 The Chicago Loop Alliance funded a study that attempted to quantify the financial impact of art, including mural art, on the Loop’s economy. The study concluded that over $2 billion in direct and indirect spending occurred because of the arts in the Loop.
Now this large-scale urban study might not seem particularly relevant to a small commercial property owner, but I believe the study’s broader point that art can draw positive attention to a building and area holds true. For example, a well-chosen and executed mural can bring positive, consistent attention to a building. A building that had been innocuous or even considered an eyesore can be transformed by a mural into something positive and inspiring.
Now this large-scale urban study might not seem particularly relevant to a small commercial property owner, but I believe the study’s broader point that art can draw positive attention to a building and area holds true. For example, a well-chosen and executed mural can bring positive, consistent attention to a building. A building that had been innocuous or even considered an eyesore can be transformed by a mural into something positive and inspiring.
Probably the best proof of my confidence in this theory is the fact that the owners of 1307 North Clybourn – the building where my property management firm is located – agreed to a building-long wall mural.
Our building is a muralist’s dream canvas. The building, built in 1877, measures 95 feet long and is surrounded by an empty lot to its North. The property was originally built as an apartment building with a ground-level commercial space. This translated into having no windows on the first floor. The side of our building literally was a blank canvas!
When The Chicago Mural Project approached us to install the mural, my eyes lit up both as someone who loves art and a property manager. Saying yes really was a no brainer. The Chicago Mural Project, funded by grants and donations, offered to do the work at no charge and would take any spot that they could on the building. They allowed us final approval of content and we approved the first draft.
The mural spans the entire building from Clybourn to Mohawk and is definitely a statement. It is so colorful and happy that I have little doubt it generates smiles for miles! We intend to add a Building Broad sign to the other side of the building, so with this mural I know that people will remember our building and hopefully remember the business listed on the other side.
Here is a gallery of the mural work in progress and when completed. I know it will bring a smile to your face as it does to mine!
