Hoping to provide a sense of vibrancy and creative placemaking, Block 59 developers have hired two Chicago-area artists to design murals for their restaurants and stores.
One is intended for the side of Five Below, located next to Block 59 in the WestRidge Court shopping center, and the other will be added to the building containing the Velvet Taco, Crisp & Green and Cava restaurants.
The request to add the murals went to the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission this week because the pieces take up more than 25% of each location’s facade, exceeding the threshold in Naperville’s Citywide Building Design Guidelines.
City staff found no concerns but couldn’t administratively green-light the proposed artworks without commission approval.
Per city code, the unanimous approval granted by the commission is final, and the issue does not need review by the Naperville City Council.
Commissioner comments about the murals were largely positive, although there were questions related to upkeep.
“Murals are beautiful, but there is maintenance,” Commissioner Mark Wright said. “If you don’t take care of them, they can look really bad, really quick.”
Rich Dippolito, vice president of real estate development for Block 59 and WestRidge Court owner Brixmor Property Group, said his company will be responsible for all maintenance and is planning the pieces as a long-term investment.
The developers have had murals in mind for the site for years, but waited to see how Block 59 took shape before seeking approval, Dippolito said. The intent for the newly approved pieces is to create visual appeal for shoppers and diners inside the development.
Both murals are oriented internally, “so when you’re in the space, you really get the feel of it,” he said.
The design of the mural on the Velvet Taco, Crisp & Green and Cava building, created by artist Kailey Rorer, features leaves and natural elements and aims to evoke organic growth, building from the ground up.
The mural planned for Five Below, by artist Alyssa Low, incorporates icons seen in Block 59 and throughout Naperville. Elements include a dog for Block 59 tenant Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, houses to represent Naperville’s stature as a family-friendly place, abstract shapes depicting Moser Tower and bridges along the Naperville Riverwalk, and a green, winding path connecting it all together — representing the Riverwalk itself.
The wall where the roughly 1,800-square-foot mural will be painted is brick, “so it’s not unattractive,” Dippolitio said. “But it’s kind of plain. We thought that would be a nice place to make a great statement piece and to add some vitality to the overall project.”
As developers move forward on mural creation, they’re also working to complete Block 59’s footprint, with two more buildings to be constructed — hopefully this year, Dippolito said.
The developer could bring forward ideas for more art in the future. But Planning and Zoning commissioners, including Chair Whitney Robbins, said they’re pleased with these two to start.
“I think it looks awesome,” Robbins said. “I think it’s vibrant, it’s fun. This is a family, community location, and I think this all brings it all together.”
Marie Wilson is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
