Murals have been part of the urban landscape for years, decorating buildings of all shapes and sizes. Initially, the artform was embraced for practical reasons, mainly to cover eyesores or deter graffiti (Muralist Dave Gordon has noted that murals are “rarely the target of taggers.”).
For many artists, however, murals were never just about covering something up or preventing something else. Diego Rivera, one of the most influential muralists of the 20th century, believed public art carried a greater responsibility. “The highest form of art is that which is accessible to all,” he said, and that idea feels especially relevant today.
While murals remain effective deterrents for taggers, they have increasingly become tools for branding, expression, and storytelling. That evolution is especially apparent in self-storage, where facilities usually occupy large, highly visible spaces. These properties offer the perfect canvas for large-scale artwork, and when done right, murals can reflect local identity and make a facility feel more connected to the community.
One company taking a distinctive approach is SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. Rather than commissioning a single artist, SmartStop turned its mural initiative into an international art contest, inviting artists across North America to submit city- or region-inspired designs representing one of the company’s major markets. Eleven winning entries were selected and transformed into full-size door wraps on drive-up units at SmartStop’s Ladera Ranch, Calif., facility.
“At SmartStop, we are always looking for innovative ways to connect with the communities we serve,” says H. Michael Schwartz, chairman and CEO. “This contest was a fun and creative way to celebrate the unique character of markets across North America while supporting talented artists and bringing vibrant designs to our facility.”
Today, the property functions as an outdoor gallery, with each winning artist receiving a $1,000 prize. The featured markets include Southern California; Toronto; Phoenix; Asheville, N.C.; Sacramento; Miami; Edmonton; Seattle; Tampa/St. Pete; the New York metro area; and Vancouver.
“This contest was about more than just decorating a door—it was about giving artists across the U.S. and Canada a canvas to inspire,” Schwartz added.
View a video of SmartStop’s door wrap murals here: Watch Video
SmartStop’s approach is one example of how murals are being used to connect with the community, but it’s far from the only one. Here’s how other operators across the country are using murals in equally meaningful ways.
1831 W. Allegheny Avenue in Philadelphia, Pa.
Created in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia, this mural was designed with a specific audience in mind: residents of a senior center located across the street. “We wanted to provide a more engaging and pleasant view for them,” says Katie Fete, director of marketing and PR. The project took several months to complete and has earned an overwhelmingly positive response from the surrounding community–and the residents across the street!
720 South Street in Honolulu, Hawaii
In Honolulu, StorQuest unveiled a second large-scale mural created by local artist Kamea Hadar. Noting StorQuest’s use of red in its branding, Hadar chose to incorporate the bright red ʻōhiʻa lehua blossom and the native ʻiʻiwi bird, both iconic to Hawaii. The finished piece celebrates the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage and cements the facility’s place on the island.
316 E. Lathrop Road in Manteca, Calif.
Security Public Storage dedicated its large-scale mural, Manteca Treasures, to the residents of Manteca and the surrounding area in celebration of the region’s heritage. It stretches 330 feet and covers nearly 3,300 square feet. Designed by Jerry Ragg of Mural Decor, the project received a ton of support during its creation. Passersby frequently stopped to watch, wave, and take photos with the artist—an example of how mural projects can become shared experiences as much as finished works. “People have been really appreciative of the murals,” said Penny Haskins, who has managed the storage facility for the past 21 years. “One neighbor said they were thankful for the efforts to beautify the area and reduce the potential for graffiti.”
Long story short: Get the paperwork in place, and then get to painting, because as artist Romero Britto says, “Art is too important not to share.”
-
Brad Hadfield is MSM’s lead writer and web manager.