Saving a cherished mural — and Philly’s civic well-being

A cherished Philly mural was on the verge of demolition. An outraged community help save it. A tale of happens when public art collides with new development.

Listen 13:12
Developer Steven Brown, who said his intention had always been to preserve the mural, said the building was on the verge of collapse and impossible to save. He has promised to replace it. (Annette John-Hall/WHYY)

Developer Steven Brown, who said his intention had always been to preserve the mural, said the building was on the verge of collapse and impossible to save. He has promised to replace it. (Annette John-Hall/WHYY)

Last summer, a cherished Philly mural honoring young victims of gun violence was on the verge of demolition. An outraged community helped save it. As they get ready to dedicate the new “Stop the Violence” mural in Point Breeze today, we bring you an update of our episode from December. Mural Arts Executive Director Jane Golden explains why projects like these mean so much to what she calls the city’s “civic well-being.”

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal