Timely message, splash of color added to downtown O’Fallon mural
A new splash of color is noticeable in downtown O’Fallon, and this mural addition has a message — “Spread love, not germs.”
Natalie James, who has renovated a commercial building — The James on State — along with her husband, Alex, decided to brighten the now ready-for-occupancy building with art.
She spray-painted heart shapes with different colors. Shawna Zink and Caitlin Anderson helped on Sunday afternoon, and the finished artwork is now lit to illuminate it after dark.
“I hope it gives people something to smile about during these trying times,” James said. “This is a dreary time for a lot of people. We thought we’d spread some cheer and kind of lift spirits.”
The coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone’s lives and livelihoods, and the James, who are O’Fallon residents, are hopeful about the growth of the Downtown District and what merchants are trying to do in town.
“We are very excited about downtown. We look at the ways they are building up the downtown, how it’s coming back to life, and we want to be a part of it, too,” she said.
James said she hopes more art will become part of downtown. She would like to see her spot becoming a revolving display.
“My hope and intention with the mural is that it will become a project that is changed out every few years by a local artist,” James said.
She and her husband bought the property about three years ago. Alex is an electrical engineer and Natalie earned a degree in civil engineering from University of Missouri-Rolla and is in project management with K&S Associates Inc., a construction company.
This is their first foray into commercial property but have been landlords for rental homes.
The James on State is being marketed to provide upscale rental spaces for local entrepreneurs, she said.
When renovating the building on West State, east of Cherry, their next-door neighbor — the O’Fallon Historical Society — helped provide photos that guided them in their restoration.
“They have been a huge help,” she said.
Brian Keller, president of the historical society, said the O’Fallon Progress was once located in the building.
“It was at 111 W. State from 1926-54 and (moved to a different building) at 119 W. State from 1954-66,” he said.
James said they worked together with architect Brian Nickas of Nickas Architecture in Columbia to restore a historical look to the century-old building.
“I was involved in April of 2017,” Nickas said. “I basically leaned towards Natalie and Alex on the design. We did a few versions and tried to get it as historic as possible but also kind of modern looking in a way for the design features,” he said.
“We wanted a more historic rendition than its previous stucco look, but with it still being a modern building,” James said.
For instance, the first floor is now level with the sidewalk, so there isn’t a “step up,” she said, and they discovered the original door openers.
The first tenant is now in the building — Jenie’s Hair Loft.
The retail space is listed through 360 Prime Realty, and Brad Wescott is their real estate agent.
James appreciates O’Fallon’s support
James wanted to thank the city of O’Fallon and the Downtown District for their support.
“The feedback has been very nice,” she said.
“I want to thank the local residents for all of their patience and encouragement, and all of those people who have helped work on the building,” she said.
For more information, visit their Facebook page — The James on State.
This story was originally published August 25, 2020 at 10:00 AM.