Yemeni mural on southend is one of the city’s treasures

We are crossing our fingers that things can be worked out to save the Yemeni mural in the southend.
A developer wants to construct a two-story building in a lot that is right next to the mural.
If that plan goes through, the mural, at Jos. Campau and Goodson, will be obstructed from view.
Residents and city officials are attempting to put together a land swap deal to entice the developer to build in lots behind the current proposed development site.
It’s a complicated plan, and one that requires purchasing the lot next to the mural for $80,000, although that price comes down in the swap/sale deal to $45,000.
That’s still a hefty sum of money, one that we seriously question whether the good folks trying to save the mural can come up with.
A meeting was scheduled for this past Thursday, the day The Review went to press, and it was unknown at press time whether something was worked out.
If not, Hamtramck is going to lose a cultural landmark. The city has become a magnet for muralists, but this mural is by far the best one in town. Graphically, it’s very compelling.
There is a thought that the mural could be replicated on another building, but it’s been pointed out that it just won’t be the same.
We agree — you just can’t recreate something like this.
The developer has every right to build on this site. We just hope he has patience to let a deal be worked out – which may take time.
Aug. 30, 2019