Columns Mural Under I-5

The First Hill Improvement Association received a grant in 2017 to beautify the 72 columns under Interstate 5 between James Street and Cherry Street. This area is a prominent vehicular and pedestrian gateway to First Hill, but suffered from a drab concrete grayscape.

FHIA undertook a public art selection process to hire a designer, and received over 3,000 votes from around the city, ultimately selecting local artist Nathan Watkins and his design, Sunlight Over First Hill. We partnered with local art non-profit Urban Artworks to manage installation, which took over 100 volunteers, 68 colors of paint, and more than 1,000 hours of volunteer work!

We are grateful to the Only In Seattle program for the funding to make this project possible - and for their ongoing support to help ensure the mural continues to look touched up and vibrant. The murals create an entrance to First Hill that is as welcoming as the people who live here.