Murals Under Consideration For Future Restaurant In Old Town

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Fairfax City Board of Architectural Review will be considering a request at its Wednesday meeting to add painted murals to a building under construction in Old Town, according to a city staff report.

The building, which is located at 3936 Old Lee Highway, is the future home of Draper's Restaurant, will be operated by Perry Restaurant Group under a long-term lease with the city. The Economic Development Authority will retain ownership of the property when construction is completed.

The proposal seeks approval to add two murals to the south side of the building, which faces a gravel lot on Main Street near the intersection of Old Lee Highway. The maximum size of the murals would be 7 feet by 9 feet and 13 feet by 11 feet.

With a door to the kitchen located on the white-brick wall, the south side of the building is the service section of the restaurant, according to the staff report.

A base coat of paint will be added to the wall, so that the murals will properly adhere. Also, a surface coating will be applied to the murals so that any graffiti could be removed without damaging the artwork.

The mural proposal will be considered during a public hearing as part of BAR's regular 7 p.m. meeting. Members of the public will be able to provide feedback in-person in Room 100 of City Hall or by emailing their comments by 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

The public hearing is only about whether to add the murals or not to the south side of the building. The EDA and the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts will select the artwork at a later date.