A part of Middletown’s history and possible a look into its future are evident in the city’s latest mural, said a developer.
Joshua Stout recently completed a large, colorful parrot mural on the front of the building at 1044 Central Ave. Kevin Kimener, owner of MLH Developers, bought the building two years ago and plans to renovate the second floor into two, two-bedroom apartments and convert the first floor into retail space.
He said the Parrot Restaurant is part of the city’s downtown history so he wanted to incorporate a bird into the mural. He worked closely with Stout, who completed the 20-by-26 foot project in two days.
Through his extensive research, Kimener discovered the Parrot Restaurant was located in two locations on Central Avenue and on South Main Street for many years until it closed and turned into Broadway News.
So it was natural, he said, to feature a parrot in the mural.
“I try to bring elements of history back to current day,” said Kimener, who is concentrating on developing downtown properties.
He said the mural cost about $4,000 and its unveiling was “fantastic timing” because the Middletown Visitors Bureau just launched a one-mile walking mural tour called Adventure Through Art that includes 14 murals in the city.
Kimener said Stout, whose work is featured throughout downtown Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine, wants to complete more projects in Middletown.
“He loves the downtown area,” Kimener said.
The background of the mural is pink and the parrot’s shadow is purple, the color of Middletown High School, Kimener said. He said Stout painted the green leaves on the side pointing skyward because he and Kimener believe the revitalization of downtown is “looking up,” Kimener said.
“There is growth occurring and it’s very viable,” he said of downtown.
He believes the apartments and retail space will be available by the spring of 2021. He said Annie Jackson, of Middletown, has agreed to open Jackson Lane Design in the location and he already has received inquirers about the apartments.
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