In 1993 this property was a weed-strewn, empty lot, located at the center of Phoenixville’s Historic Downtown District, at the corner of Bridge and Main Streets.  The rust marks on the wall reflected the community’s sadness because of the closure of the Phoenix Steel Company. 

Barbara Cohen passed this corner frequently and thought of Philadelphia’s mural art initiative and contacted Michael Webb, professor of art at Drexel University and well known mural artist.  He had also been her teacher when she attended Drexel for her Master’s degree in Interior Design.   He came to Phoenixville and thought that a mural was a good idea for this corner.  He also recommended Meg Fish since she was also a highly regarded mural artist.

Barbara wrote grants to the National Endowment for the Arts and the PA Council for the Arts and was successful in receiving these grant awards.  The Phoenixville Area Chamber of Commerce loaned PAEDCO the funds to purchase the property.  Funds were also raised from PECO, the Rotary Club of Phoenixville, the West Company, the Schuylkill River Greenway Association and from the sale of inscribed bricks.

The Phoenixville Mural and Renaissance Park became the focal point and much loved icon of Phoenixville’s renewal.  The artists held several meetings with community residents so they could voice their opinions about what should be visually included on the mural.  This community consensus greatly contributed to the popularity of the mural and was also instrumental in achieving the necessary funds so the project could be implemented.

The Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corporation (PAEDCO) owns this property and will make a decision regarding its future.  It is their decision that will determine if the digital version of the mural will be able to be produced and installed.  It is also their decision whether to retain Renaissance Park, with its inscribed bricks.