Mural proposed for downtown Stevens Point building

By Brandi Makuski

STEVENS POINT — A mural celebrating Stevens Point’s aviation heritage — including ties to early airfields and a local World War II flying ace — could soon appear on the north wall of a downtown building, pending approval by the city’s Historic Preservation/Design Review Commission.

Property owner Dave Ladick is seeking design review approval to paint the mural on the building located at 1216 Strongs Ave., according to city documents. The artwork would appear on the north-facing wall and is subject to review under the city’s historic preservation ordinance.

The mural features an aviation theme, paying tribute to Stevens Point’s connection to flight. The city was once home to one of Wisconsin’s first municipally owned airfields and played a role in airmail delivery and military pilot training in the early 20th century. Stevens Point also claims Conrad Mattson, a World War II flying ace credited with multiple aerial victories, as one of its native sons.

“While murals are a great opportunity to promote local history through artistic means, previously painted murals have had an adverse impact on the buildings they’re painted on,” said Adam Kuhn, associate planner and zoning administrator for the city. “This proposal has taken historic context and ordinance requirements into account.”

While murals are typically prohibited on walls that directly face or run parallel to public streets, Kuhn said the configuration of the surrounding road network — and the planned extension of Strongs Avenue to Union Street — makes this location eligible for an exception.

City staff are recommending approval with several conditions:

• The applicant must provide a maintenance plan specifying care and responsible parties,

• An agreement must be executed between the artist and the property owner identifying responsibility for mural removal, and

• Photographic documentation of the completed mural must be submitted for the city’s records.

The Historic Preservation/Design Review Commission will consider the request at its June 12 meeting. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Community Room at the Stevens Point Police Department, 933 Michigan Avenue. The public is welcome to attend.