When the construction fence came down at Square Apartments in Midtown Omaha, it revealed a new 316-foot-long mural.
Using a retaining wall as a canvas, the mural spans the length of the property and is visible from both Leavenworth and South 30th Streets.
Developer Metonic Real Estate Solutions worked with Omaha art organization LaLa (Local Artists. Local Art.) and Omaha by Design to enhance the project and contribute to the community through art.
LaLa brought together artists specializing in colorful geometric work to create a mural design that fits Square Apartment’s name. Paul High Horse, Nick Miller, Patty Talbert, and LaLa co-director Betni Kalk collaborated to create a vibrant piece of public art. “Their combined geometric work echos familiar motifs from different cultures, but also expresses their distinctive Midwest artistic styles,” said LaLa co-director Weston Thomson.
Thomson emphasized the importance of public art in connecting people to local cultures. “Public art not only beautifies our city, but it also creates opportunities for both personal reflection and social interaction,” Thomson said.
The value of public art resonates with the mission of Omaha by Design, an urban design organization involved with the initiation phase of the Square mural collaboration. “Metonic’s eagerness to introduce community-focused, space-defining art by local artists in the vision for Square Apartments highlights the value of public art in the creation of a complete neighborhood,” said Omaha by Design Executive Director Scott Dobbe. He stated that Omaha by Design is proud to have been a partner in the creation of “a wonderful, people-centered burst of color and technique that brings joy to residents and visitors alike.”
Metonic President Kassie Inness is similarly proud of the project and partnership. “It was an honor to work with Omaha by Design and LaLa to create something special for our future residents and the neighborhood,” Inness said. “As developers, we always think about how a site’s location shapes our design and programming. Through this partnership, we got to be more intentional about how design shapes our location.”