Residents of Bronzeville are demanding answers after a beloved Nat King Cole mural was removed from a local building this week. The mural, created by South Side artist and urban planner Chris Devins in 2014, was taken down without warning from the building owner.

Community Reaction

William Salaam, a longtime neighborhood resident and co-owner of Bronzeville Boutique, said he was shocked to see the mural being removed when walking to work last week. "I turned around and looked, and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness," Salaam said. "I went over and asked the contractor, ‘Why ya’ll tearing that down?"

Ald. Pat Dowell, whose office supported the mural’s creation and preservation, said she understands the need for the new owner to address renovations to the building and safety concerns — but she wants new artwork to be representative of the community. "I hope whatever artwork is put up that it would continue to celebrate the history of Bronzeville," Dowell said.

The building is being turned into a daycare and affordable office workspace by local resident and business owner Lisa Collins and her husband Ryan Wilkins. Collins said she will host a contest where Bronzeville artists can submit proposals of new murals to be considered by a panel of judges.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.