HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — For months, curious Huntsville residents have been asking about a project going on at the Huntsville Utilities substation located at the intersection of Pulaski Pike and Sparkman Drive. Since late March, local Reddit users have been theorizing if the water tank, which had been clad in tarp and other protective material, was going to be torn down.
Posters to Reddit said they would often hear loud noises in the area of the substation during this period.
User Tunk256 suggested the green-tiled tank was being painted - incidentally news to some like the original poster, who admitted they "never realized that was a water tank." Another user posited: "Probably where they plan to paint a mural."
So, let's VERIFY.
THE QUESTION
Is a mural being painted over the water tank at the Sparkman substation?
OUR SOURCES
Huntsville City Council member Devyn Keith
THE ANSWER
Yes, a mural is being installed over the shell of the substation's water tank.
WHAT WE FOUND
Actually, what we found, around the same time as many who drive in that area, is that obvious artwork has begun to appear on the water tank's surface. An official statement about the project was released March 28 by Arts Huntsville.
Local artist Peter "Float" Lucker has been commissioned to paint a mural. The piece, called Jubilation, "will feature bold graphics of children leaping for joy against a backdrop of azure elements reminiscent of water and clouds," according to the media release."
The idea to place the mural on the water tank was supported by Huntsville District 1 council member Devyn Keith, who saw that the substation was already scheduled for refurbishment this year. Keith worked with Huntsville Utilities and Arts Huntsville to work the art installation into the renovation plan.
“This project is a fantastic example of how citizen engagement can lead to positive change,” Keith said. “I’m thrilled that the water tank will be transformed into a work of art that embodies one of Huntsville’s public art goals – to add whimsy and delight to everyday spaces through artwork that lifts the spirits and engages the mind."
Speaking further with FOX54 after our initial report, Keith said he hopes this is the start of a series of similar projects.
"This will be one of many other water tanks that will more than likely have some names and some art on them around Huntsville, but we figured we would take the lead to show them how beautiful it could be," he said.
"I think it's important for people to understand art and Huntsville go hand-in-hand. That includes music. That includes visual art. I want to make sure that North Huntsville is a part of that conversation."
Arts Huntsville says the mural is expected to be complete by the fall of this year. Huntsville Utilities also plans to repaint barrier walls around the substation to match the color scheme used in the mural.