New mural directs motorists to public parking lot in downtown Medina

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MEDINA – A new mural was added on the side of Mark’s Pizzeria on Main Street to direct people to a municipal parking lot behind the Main Street buildings and East Center Street. The mural is actually facing the one-way Proile Alley between Mark’s and the Medina Theatre. This is the first roadway on Main Street for motorists crossing the railroad tracks into the downtown.

Tim Elliott, a village trustee, took the lead on the mural that is 9 feet high by about 14 feet wide. He painted most of it over three days this week with help from retired art teacher Brandi Zavitz.

Village officials were considering adding more signs on Main Street and the downtown to direct people to parking, but the state Department of Transportation advised the village it was already “oversaturated” with signs.

The mural was a way to not add another street sign, but highlight a big parking area not far from Main Street. Many visitors to Medina don’t realize there is a lot behind the buildings, Elliott said.

He presented the plan to the Medina Planning Board, which gave its OK and said the design was historically appropriate. Elliott said the pointing hand is in sepia tones to give the mural a historical look.

The mural was paid for without any public funds, Elliott said.

A clearcoat sealer will be added next week.

Elliott thanked Mark’s owner Brian Christiaansen for his willingness to have the mural on the building.