Commission approves four-story mural on North 4th, with required maintenance plan

The Italian Village Commission approved a request to paint a four-story mural on a south elevation on North 4th (COA250127872), contingent on the applicant providing a long-range maintenance plan for the mural’s upkeep.

Staff found the mural application met the Short North design guidelines for murals but noted the proposed sealant has a five-year product life cycle; staff recommended requiring a maintenance plan because the mural occupies a high-visibility wall. Commissioners emphasized that the commission cannot evaluate artistic content but can require maintenance and technical details.

One commissioner moved to approve the application with the condition that the applicant submit a maintenance plan; another seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. The commission also noted practical benefits such as removing large painted phone numbers from the wall.

Next steps: applicant to provide a long-range maintenance plan as a condition of the approval; the mural may proceed after the applicant agrees to the maintenance condition.