Tallahassee’s Largest Mural at SoMo Walls Secures Funding Approval
The Greater Frenchtown/Southside Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) recently approved a $30,000 funding request for a new public art installation at the SoMo Walls property in Tallahassee. The proposal involves the use of stacked shipping containers to display murals, creating an artistic focal point along the site’s perimeter.
Tallahassee’s Public Art Initiative at SoMo Walls
This initiative aims to enhance the area’s cultural landscape. SoMo Walls has previously transformed a 2.3-acre site into a vibrant retail and dining destination, further supported by $2.5 million in public funds over recent years.
Funding and Background
- Total public funding for SoMo Walls: $2.5 million
- Recent funding request: $30,000 for murals
- Size of public art installation: 2,720 square feet
Much of the previous funding came from the Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), which provided significant financial support, including $776,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and grants totaling $560,000.
Developer Bugra Demirel, who owns the SoMo Walls property, recused himself from the vote but participated in discussions about the project’s financing. He indicated plans to contribute an additional $30,000 through Cascades Gardens LLC, the company behind the site’s development.
Community Reactions
The funding request has stirred mixed opinions among community members. Some residents advocate for the arts project, emphasizing its potential to beautify the area and promote local economic growth. Meanwhile, others express concerns over the allocation of public funds, questioning whether the benefits will reach the surrounding community.
Sam Varn, a member of the 2026 Catalyst Team for Knight Creative Communities Institute (KCCI), supports the proposal. He argues that it aligns with CRA goals by promoting beautification and community pride. KCCI’s Executive Director, Betsy Couch, highlighted the significant economic impact of KCCI’s past projects, asserting that they invariably involve local artists and community participation.
Conversely, critics like Gerri Seay, a former local business owner, urge caution. They argue that funding should prioritize essential community needs, such as grocery stores and other local services, rather than primarily benefiting business interests like those of Demirel.
The Future of SoMo Walls
The approval of the funding marks a critical step in Tallahassee’s ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces through art and community engagement. As the project progresses, it will be important to monitor its impact on both the cultural landscape and the surrounding community.
