KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – You may know the the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center as the Kalamazoo County courthouse, but some county officials also see it as a blank canvas.
Board chair Jen Strebs says it was part of their original plans for the building to include art, particularly in the Light Well, but it hasn’t happened yet.
She says they have learned the Brush the Block Program, sponsored by the Arts Council and Consumers Energy, wants to do a mural on the building.
Strebs says it would cost $5,000 to $10,000 for the community art project.
Commissioner Abigail Wheeler supported the idea.
Commissioner John Gisler suggested something with a historic theme.
The Brush the Block program has already resulted in murals in the Haymarket Plaza, Farmers Alley and at NACD headquarters on Park Street along with other locations.
The consensus of the county board was to continue to explore the idea and see if an agreement can be arranged for participation in 2027.
The board has already rejected one proposal for that blank wall in the Light Well of the new courthouse.
In 2024, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum proposed installing the statue of Lady Justice that stood on the dome of the original county courthouse, but they wanted $97,000 for the installation. The board felt that was too expensive.
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