Homegrown artist Rob Clifton to paint a series of murals at a new adaptive reuse development in Birmingham
Ten Murals to be Painted at Crestwood Residential Buildings. Buildings are Newly Adapted into Affordable Housing
Murals Completed by Homegrown Artist Rob Clifton
Endeavor Group Real Estate (EGRE) announced they have contracted Birmingham homegrown artist Rob Clifton to paint a series of murals at a new adaptive reuse development in Birmingham that will bring much needed affordable housing the area.
The project, being developed by EGRE, will see two buildings adapted into affordable residential housing. The first 60 units are expected to finish construction towards the end of June 2025, with more news to come before then.
Artist Rob Clifton has been hired to paint ten murals on the buildings. Clifton grew up in Birmingham, AL and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2014. He is currently pursuing his Master of Fine Arts at Florida State University and has returned home for this project.
The murals will be a series of horizontal panels across the two buildings. The design is inspired by late NYC graffiti artist, Keith Haring. The symbols in these murals pay homage to certain indigenous cultures of North America, including tribes of the Southwest (Lakota, Hopi, Navajo) and to the local Mississippian culture of Moundville, AL. Clifton has adapted and transformed these symbols and styles to create a visual language that expresses life’s great mysteries, like dreams, visions and collective consciousness.
“I’m excited and grateful to take part in a project here in my hometown,” says Clifton. “The symbols and meaning behind these murals celebrate the vibrancy and variety of different cultures throughout the United States. It is important to recognize and appreciate people from all backgrounds and these paintings will act as a monument that acknowledges the value of cultural identity. Because this project is in partnership with an affordable housing initiative, the murals create an intimate platform to speak to the residents of this community. I believe art is vital to life and I hope these paintings will instill a sense of dignity and solidarity for the people who live here.”
The murals are in progress now with a target completion date of August 2025.
“Part of the new energy we are bringing to the Crestwood development is one of vibrant arts and community,” said Richard Rubin, Managing Partner of EGRE. “Rob’s work will add a great deal to this community.”
Tony LaRussa, who grew up in Ensley, is currently the Chief Lending Officer for AOD Federal Credit Union. He is very enthusiastic about the revitalization of Birmingham. He fondly recalls his childhood memories of visiting Century Plaza and bowling at 48 Lanes at Eastwood Mall with his parents. When the opportunity to finance this project arose, both he and AOD Federal
Credit Union eagerly embraced it, recognizing the significance of this undertaking and their role