The “Streetscape Reflections” mural in downtown Ottawa on the south side of the building at 700 La Salle Street is to be removed due to irreparable damage, the City of Ottawa announced in a press release on Monday.

This decision followed a thorough evaluation by experts who concluded that the mural had reached the end of its natural lifespan and posed a safety risk due to its deteriorating condition, the city said. The mural has visibly missing pieces and the wood is partially rotted.

“The mural was originally commissioned two decades ago and has been a beloved element of our city ever since, capturing the historic celebrations that once brought our community together and enlivened our bustling downtown,” the City of Ottawa said in a news release Monday. “Over the years, it has inspired admiration from residents and visitors alike for its artistic beauty and historical significance.”

The building’s owner intends to commission a new mural that will further enhance the neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal and celebrate Ottawa’s community spirit, the city said. The Beach House restaurant is located at 700 La Salle St.

“We understand the emotional value the Streetscape Reflections mural holds for many in our community,” Mayor Robert Hasty said in a press release. “As we begin this new phase, we encourage those whose loved ones are depicted in the mural to contact Tami Koppen at City Hall as we will attempt to save and preserve pieces.”

To contact Koppen, call 815-433-0161, extension 240, or email [email protected]

According to the Ottawa Visitors Centre, artist Joshua Winer’s mural “Streetscape Reflections” envisioned a parade as a means of populating Ottawa’s unique architectural landscape. He incorporated prominent citizens and familiar faces into the painting as marchers or passersby. Mayor Phil Bailey wears his top hat and District Attorney Harland Warren waves his hand. Warren rose to fame during the Starved Rock Murders. Along the route are Ottawa residents who enriched the community then and now and gave Ottawa its character, including former Mayor Bob Eschbach as a child and Commissioner Wayne Eichelkraut.

The mural is the second to be removed in Ottawa in the last three years. “Ottawa as a Canal City” at 909 Clinton St. was painted over by the local company in the summer of 2022.

“Imagine and Learn with Bob McGrath,” painted on the Jefferson School in Ottawa, was updated in 2020 to last for many years to come.

Ottawa is also in the process of installing a new mural by artist Jeremy Johnson at 229 W. Madison St. The city also unveiled its Free Little Art Gallery at 215 W. Main St. Public art will continue to be a focus of the city’s economic development plan, Hasty said.