DURANGO, Colo. – On May 22, three months to the day since fire destroyed three businesses in Durango’s Historic Downtown, members of the community will reconvene in the 700 block of Main Ave. for the installation of the locally painted mural panels that are to decorate the pedestrian walkway and façade covering the construction area.

City crews will begin moving the 40 4’x4’ painted panels from the Discovery Museum’s Powerhouse at 1 p.m., and are expected to start installation to the interior back wall of the pedestrian walkway at 2 p.m., followed by installation to the exterior knee wall of the walkway at about 3 p.m. The eastern northbound lane of Main Ave. will be closed for safety.

The special mural installation ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. in front of Termar Trends, with the artists, additional participants and city officials in attendance.

“Termar Trends has contributed 700 pennies, and following Mayor Renee Parsons’ remarks, all those in attendance will be encouraged to toss a penny into the construction hole – just like tossing a coin into a fountain - and make a wish for a successful, safe and swift reconstruction,” said Bob Kunkel, the City’s Downtown business and promotions specialist who coordinated the effort for the City of Durango.

The project brought together the City, the Business Improvement District (BID), Durango Arts Center and the Discovery Museum to make the best of a challenging situation in advance of the summer tourist season.

Post fire, the City approached the Durango Arts Center for cooperation in contacting local artists interested in volunteering their time to paint mural panels. The Discovery Museum was asked to open the Powerhouse as the studio headquarters. The Business Improvement District underwrote the cost of all the materials required, including the plywood panels and paint.

Of the 20 to 25 local artists who volunteered, artist Ben Fisher agreed to coordinate the overall designs, color palettes and placement of the panels. The BID will present each participating artist with a $50 gift certificate to a Downtown restaurant establishment in appreciation for volunteering their time and talent.

            “It’s been a rewarding project,” said Kunkel of the mural effort. “We can’t pretend that the fire didn’t happen, but given Downtown Durango is revered for its charm, cleanliness and sense of ‘community,’ decorating the walkway is one way we have all come together to further efforts and welcome our summer visitors.”

The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that enhances business in the District. Funding is generated by a 1.5 mill levy on property owners within the district, with additional marketing dollars contributed by the City of Durango and Durango Area Tourism Office. BID Board members are John Wells, presiding officer; Bob Allen, Karen Barger, Rod Barker and Tim Wheeler.