HUNTSVILLE – The Wellory Living development in Huntsville’s MidCity District is set to receive a large-scale mural that fuses artistic expression with a message of environmental innovation.
Echoing the “innovative architecture and sustainable goals” of the development, the project is a collaboration of Apollo Coalition, Wellory Living, MidCity District, and RCP Companies. Nationally recognized artist Christian Stanley has been selected to create the mural on the north side of the building’s parking garage.
Wellory Living, a $108 million multifamily development on Stax Street in MidCity District, is projected to be the first net-zero apartment community in the Southeast, according to a news release.
The six-story, all-electric, 328-unit building is designed to generate as much renewable energy as it consumes annually, primarily through more than 40,000 square feet of rooftop solar panels.
The building emphasizes wellness and sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient features such as smart thermostats, reflective roofing, and high-performing HVAC systems. Amenities include a co-working lounge, an infrared sauna, and a heated salt water pool.
Recognizing the visibility of the Wellory parking garage from University Drive, the project partners contracted with Arts Huntsville to manage this public art project.
Arts Huntsville conducted an international proposal process that yielded 96 applications from 30 states and two international applicants.
After narrowing to five finalists, Christian Stanley’s concept was selected.
Stanley said his mural for the 7,200-square-foot space is rooted in Wellory Living’s mission. The design incorporates imagery symbolizing renewable energy sources of sun, wind, and water alongside elements of plant life, he said.
“My design is geometric, clean, and modern in style, echoing the innovative architecture and sustainable goals of the project,” said Stanley. “By aligning with both Wellory’s mission and Huntsville’s spirit of progress, these designs serve not only as architectural enhancements but also as symbols of the city’s dedication to a more sustainable and inspired future.”
Stanley is a Central Florida-based artist who graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2011 with a degree in graphic design. His work is influenced by the wildlife of the Southeast.
He continues to seek inspiration from natural settings, often hiking with his wife, Jessica. Stanley and Jessica formed C. Stanley Creative in 2017. Since then, Stanley has completed dozens of murals annually, with his largest project spanning more than 8,000 square feet. His mural work has been featured across the United States and at international street art festivals.
The mural project is part of the broader vision for MidCity District, highlighting its focus on sustainability, culture, and enhancing the built environment. MidCity is a mixed-use development designed to be an 18-hour-a-day space that includes housing, retail, entertainment, and green spaces.
To celebrate the public art installation, the project partners will host two community events.
- A meet and greet with the artist is scheduled for Wednesday from 4:30–6 p.m.
- There will be a public event Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon to celebrate the completed mural.
More information on the dates and times for these events can be found on the MidCity website and Facebook and Instagram pages.
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