Storage Deluxe, a Manhattan, N.Y.-based self-storage owner and developer, last week unveiled a mural at its new facility in Hoboken, N.J., that celebrates three important women from the community. The 150-foot-by-35-foot artwork at 1312 Adams St. was created by Jersey City artist Distort and features Dorothea Lange, Dorothy McNeil and Maria Pepe.
“This mural is the result of a successful collaboration with the city that has been three years in the making,” said Reid Weppler, vice president of development with Storage Deluxe. “We're excited to open our new store in the neighborhood and be part of the community.”
Lange was a Depression-era photographer who documented rural poverty and the United States interment of the Japanese during World War II. McNeil and her husband, Charles, owned and operated Club Zanzibar, where musical acts such as Kool and the Gang, Mille Jackson, The Manhattan Transfer and Wilson Pickett performed. Pepe was one of the first girls to play Little League baseball. Her participation also led to the creation of Little League Softball.
“It is a blessing to be able to be a part of and to experience seeing a mural that reflects on Hoboken's history and commitment to provide so many recreational opportunities to all children living here today,” Pepe said.
The mural also contains two dock workers, showcasing the city’s industrial period. “In this mural, I wanted to honor Hoboken’s history as a working-class and artistic city by representing the people and places that gave it it's character,” Distort said.
Golden Artist Colors Inc. and Jerry's Artist Outlet donated the paint and other materials for the project. “My wife Barbara and I love this city,” said Mark Golden, a founder of Golden Artist. “It has provided us a wonderful opportunity to enjoy all the area has to offer. We are delighted our company can participate in this amazing mural project.”
Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and other city officials attended the Oct. 25 unveiling ceremony. “This is an exciting project that will breathe new life into the area,” he said. “This mural is a great tribute to some of Hoboken's favorite daughters who made tremendous impacts on their community and the country.”
Founded in 1998, Storage Deluxe has developed 62 projects totaling approximately 5 million square feet, including 42 self-storage facilities, three art-storage facilities, 58,000 square feet of retail, and an exotic car-storage property. Its current portfolio is managed by self-storage real estate investment trust CubeSmart.
Source:
NJ.com, Massive Mural Pays Tribute to Three Hoboken Heroes
