‘Something free and something fun’: Wauconda commissions first downtown mural

Bulldog with Blues Brothers flair chosen for Wauconda’s first downtown mural

An image of a bulldog with flair is planned as the first commissioned outdoor mural in downtown Wauconda.

Approved for the east wall at 109 Bangs St., the draft design prominently features a bulldog wearing sunglasses and a black tie extending a welcoming left paw as if in a high-five. A concept drawing shows a blue background with purple dots.

Wauconda High School’s mascot is a bulldog and the garb is a nod to the classic 1980 “Blues Brothers” movie, which featured nearby Phil’s Beach and its famed slide in a scene.

The idea is an initiative of the village’s economic development commission advanced by Commissioner Megan Martinez, who opened Mis Plantitas, an indoor succulents and plant store downtown in August 2021.

“It’s to bring the community down for something free and something fun,” she said.

The mural would become a focal point for selfies or pictures that can be shared on social media and hopefully attract others who might stay, browse or otherwise experience what the area has to offer, Martinez added.

“Young and old, just everybody. Wauconda is not just for one demographic or age group,” she said.

Last September, Village Administrator Allison Matson told the village board a downtown mural had been budgeted for based on the economic development commission’s recommendation. The cost is $6,000 plus materials.

Village code prohibits painted signs but did not address murals and there were no rules or regulations giving the village say over the condition of a mural or to review its consistency with established standards, for example.

In the interim, the plan commission/zoning board considered and recommended guidelines for wall murals as a conditional use in commercial districts. The village board adopted the rules and on March 20 approved a conditional use permit for the first commissioned mural.

In researching murals in other communities, Wauconda was referred to McHenry artist Elaine Sinclair, who painted the pelican mural in Fox Lake a few years ago.

“She’s very familiar with Wauconda,” Martinez said.

The surface of the first building considered could not accept mural paint, so the village-owned building at 109 Bangs St., which houses the community development department became Plan B. The east wall will be repainted and prepared and is expected to be ready next month, weather permitting.

“Once that work is complete, the muralist will begin work on her trendy and vibrant adaptation of the Wauconda mascot — the bulldog,” said Alise Coulter, executive administrative assistant. “Interactive elements make this space a great photography backdrop for social media and creates a unique way to attract and engage visitors.”