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The mural of Philadelphia in the last shot doesn’t seem to have framing directly in front of it, perhaps it’s being saved for the finished interior.

Why is the Autumn mural even visible?  Shouldn’t those walls be sheathed with Densglass or some sheathing?

I’m all in favor of developing lots to make neighborhood blocks more unified, even when public art is imperiled. Nevertheless, looking at the frame of the new house at 9th and Bainbridge, I can already tell the finished project will be a huge bore. People will say, “Really, you covered up Autumn for THIS?” They won’t know whether to hold back their snorting laughter or gasp in horror.

Probably it isn’t fair to fully comment since it’s still in progress, but the garden-variety design signified by those dime-a-dozen bay windows (which probably will have a stucco finish) does not look promising. It is artistic destruction by construction — the for-profit counterpart to, let’s say, tearing down a church in favor of a parking lot or bland affordable housing. (Not that I have any specific cases in mind, of course…)

The one consolation is that the other three seasonal murals by David Guinn are still free and visible, including Winter a block over on Bainbridge. If and when the time comes for the lots next to those works to be filled, we should put a little more effort into ensuring that the new developments will at least give as much to the neighborhood stylistically as the artwork that they replace.

At least this new house has an actual cornice. I hate developers that skip this important detail.

here’s hoping.  i’m sure there are some logistical challenges to keeping it visible; so long as working around it isn’t too problematic or expensive it seems like such an easy call.  you keep it because it’s awesome and exactly the kind of thing that would drive real buyer interest. all houses being equal, i would absolutely have more interest in a house with a mural map of the city built into the wall.  and if they find it’s not helping, just patch it up.  

[...] Guinn’s mural “Autumn” at 9th and Bainbridge Sts. over the past few months, most recently peeking at the mural through the now framed structure just a couple of weeks ago. The other day, we noticed a new zoning application notice on the [...]