Council approves mural design, shows support for trail grant

City moves forward with matching grant for Simpsonville trail phase 2

Simpsonville, S.C. — Simpsonville City Council approved on Tuesday night a design proposal for a planned mural on South Main Street.

In a vote of 6-0 at the Committee of the Whole meeting held electronically, Council gave the go-ahead for artist Lacey Hennessey to paint the adopted mural design in the alleyway on the north wall of the Howard building. 

Simpsonville City Council has approved the above design for a mural on South Main Street.

Councilwoman Jenn Hulehan of Ward 3, who made the motion, said the different elements in the mural say, "This is Simpsonville. This is home."

"People are going to want to get out there and take their photos in front of (the mural)," said Hulehan, who is mayor pro-tem for Council. "As far as the length of the wall, doing the full wall, I think that's a good idea."

The ad hoc Mural Artist Selection Committee received 26 responses to the request for qualifications for completing the mural that the City issued in June. The Committee narrowed down the submissions, interviewed five artists and unanimously in selected Hennessey for the project.

Hennessey said she is "excited and honored" to be leaving her creative mark on the City of Simpsonville.

"One of the greatest things about murals and public art is that they are meant for everyone to enjoy," said Hennessey, who owns and operates Hennessey in the Home. "I look forward to seeing tagged photos of the mural from residents and visitors alike interacting with the different mural elements for years to come."

Simpsonville community relations specialist Justin Campbell said Hennessey's mural design expertly captures the essence of Simpsonville.

"The elements in the design allude to the importance of family, arrival of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, significance of the Ice Cream Station, role of music in the City and Heritage Park Railway, which is beloved by kids and the young at heart," Campbell said. "The design is vibrant, eye-catching and perfect for photos and selfies. Ms. Hennessey has been a joy to work with, and the City looks forward to seeing the finished product."

The expected completion date for the mural is October.

Council also voted 6-0 to move a resolution in support of providing $3,750 in matching funds for a Hometown Economic Development Grant totaling $25,000 to the next business meeting. The grant, which is provided by the Municipal Association of South Carolina and requires a 15 percent local match, would fund the laying out of phase 2 of the Swamp Rabbit Trail by a surveyor and engineer.

Council will vote on the resolution at the business meeting on Sept. 8.

Simpsonville residents or business owners may participate in the Citizen Comments portion of the meeting by leaving a voice message no longer than 3 minutes on Mayor Shewmaker's office phone at 864-967-5400. Citizens must state their name and address at the beginning of the message and avoid profane language. All qualifying messages will be played during the meeting over the live stream.

The Committee of the Whole meeting from Aug. 25 can be viewed on the City of Simpsonville YouTube Channel.

For more information, please contact community relations specialist Justin Campbell at jcampbell@simpsonville.com.