Mentor grapples with art

Work on Great Lakes Mall wall requires approval by city

Mentor Planning Commission will review a mural project in the rearview mirror this week.

Great Lakes Mall representatives are requesting architectural review for wall art on and around the mall’s west-facing wall, between Round One and Dillard’s. The site was previously occupied by an Ethan Allen store.

However, the art project is already done. Two wall art canvasses roughly 10 feet wide by 8 feet tall were placed on each side of the entryway about 18 inches above the sidewalk.

The graphics depict water scenes with bright, bold colors. The lower portion of the painting shows blue waves splashing outside the

framework onto the building surface. The painting then continues across the concrete sidewalk.

In addition, two rows of parking spaces parallel to the building have been painted with assorted vibrant colors.

Anything that has been painted on or attached to the wall, sidewalk or within the parking lot is under review, said Mentor Planning Director Kathy Mitchell, whose staff observed the artwork after its completion.

“The Site Development Plan Chapter indicates that a review is required when a change is proposed in the exterior elements of a previously approved plan,” she

said.

A staff report to the commission says that the city was approached by a mall representative last summer with a draft proposal to place a large painted mural on the wall.

“At that time, I advised them that this would require architectural review (for) re-imaging with the Planning Commission,” Mitchell said.

No formal plans were submitted, she said, and the administration is recommending that the artwork be removed and all surfaces restored to their prior condition.

“The Administration is not in support of this proposal,” the report reads. “It (is) not in harmony with the prevailing and desired architectural styles within the area, and it is not consistent with community architectural

standards adopted throughout the community.”

Mall representatives declined to comment prior to the commission meeting Feb. 11.

“We would be happy to provide some details in the near future,” said Sharon Bennett, area marketing director for Washington Prime Group, which owns the mall. “However, at this time, we are unable to provide any other comments.”

The artwork was done by Jason Baumgardner, who was also hired to paint a mural inside the mall, near Fuji Steakhouse.

The report notes that the mall received a variance in 2017 for a 240-square-foot “Leasing” sign on the same wall and it remains on display.