Artist Patrick Hershberger Selected to Create 32-Panel Masterwork on County Building Parking Garage
*KALAMAZOO, MI* — Kalamazoo County commissioners are preparing to approve a contract with local artist Patrick Hershberger to create one of the largest public art projects in Southwest Michigan. The massive mural will cover most of the new county administration parking structure downtown, featuring portraits of local leaders alongside scenes depicting regional flora, fauna, and local landscapes.
The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners is expected to vote on the project Tuesday night at 440 N. Church St. The parking garage at the site has a maximum construction price of $26.8 million and will be built adjacent to the plot where a new county administration building will be constructed.
"Even though they haven't broken ground yet on the project, Kalamazoo County Administrator Kevin Catlin has advised commissioners that they need to get the art project underway this month if they hope to have the huge panels ready in time," WKZO reported.
Hershberger says he will be painting a couple of the panels himself, but mostly he will be designing what 31 of the larger panels will look like. The final piece will feature sketches of several local leaders, local flora and fauna and other local scenes.
County Invests In Public Art As Part of Downtown Development
The mural project represents a significant investment in public art and community identity. The Kalamazoo County Board approved funding for the parking garage at 440 N. Church St. in March, and the design proposal by Hershberger was recommended for the project.
The parking structure will serve as a backdrop for the artwork, with panels depicting the rich history and character of Kalamazoo County. The project will showcase local talent while beautifying a key piece of downtown infrastructure.
"The panels will depict sketches of several local leaders, local flora and fauna and other local scenes," according to the artist.
The project is part of broader downtown development efforts in Kalamazoo County. The new parking garage will accommodate the growing needs of visitors to the county administration building and downtown businesses.
Timeline and Construction Details
County Administrator Kevin Catlin has emphasized the urgency of getting the art project underway. Despite not having broken ground yet, Catlin has advised commissioners that they need to get the art project underway this month if they hope to have the huge panels ready in time.
The board of commissioners is expected to take action on the design at its next meeting, on Tuesday, April 7. Once approved, Hershberger will begin work on the 31 larger panels, with his own personal contribution of painting a couple of the panels.
The mural will be a prominent feature of the new county parking structure, visible to thousands of visitors and commuters who use the facility daily. It represents a commitment to investing in public art and community identity as part of the broader downtown development plan.
Sources:
- WKZO: https://wkzo.com/2026/04/06/911713/
- MLive: https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2026/04/get-ready-for-a-new-towering-mural-in-downtown-kalamazoo.html