Restoring a Riverside Landmark
Commissioned by the City of Riverside Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department, this project focused on restoring one of Riverside’s long-standing landmark murals along University Avenue. Painted in the 1990s by an unknown artist, the mural had become a familiar part of the city’s visual landscape, greeting thousands of motorists every day from the adjacent 91 Freeway off-ramp and nearby commercial district. After decades of exposure, the artwork had suffered significant deterioration. The colors had faded, protective coatings had failed, weather had taken its toll, and graffiti carvings had damaged portions of the mural. Rather than replace the artwork entirely, the City chose to preserve its identity while giving it renewed life for future generations. The restoration carefully respected the original composition while reimagining it with richer color, improved clarity, and a more contemporary level of vibrancy. The refreshed mural maintains the recognizable imagery that Riverside residents have known for years while presenting it with renewed energy and visual impact.
Project Snapshot
Client: City of Riverside Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department
Location: University Avenue at the 91 Freeway, Riverside, California
Completed: 2026
Original Mural By: Unknown (Painted in the 1990s)
Size: Approximately 35’ × 24’ • Corrugated Metal Panels
Services: Surface Preparation • Mural Restoration • Protective Sealant • Anti-Graffiti Coating
Completion Time: Two Weeks
Restoration Process
This project also marked an important milestone in the evolution of Mass Murals’ services. Rather than focusing solely on painting, the project required complete surface rehabilitation before any artwork could begin.
The corrugated metal panels were thoroughly power washed, scraped, and sanded before receiving a fresh coat of primer. Once the mural restoration was complete, the entire surface was protected with both a professional mural sealant and an anti-graffiti coating, creating a durable finish designed to withstand years of weather and vandalism.
Today, Mass Murals offers complete mural preparation, restoration, protective coating, and maintenance services—allowing clients to preserve public artwork long after its initial installation.
Creative Approach
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was translating the original, muted acrylic color palette into a bold, highly saturated finish using modern spray paint techniques. Rather than simply copying what existed, the goal was to respectfully elevate the artwork while remaining faithful to its original character.
The result is a restoration that feels both familiar and renewed—a refreshed civic landmark that preserves Riverside’s visual history while presenting it with a level of polish and vibrancy that exceeds the original installation.
Community Impact
Located in one of Riverside’s busiest traffic corridors, the restored mural is seen by thousands of commuters and visitors every day. Since its completion, it has once again become a recognizable local landmark, contributing color and civic pride to one of the city’s most visible gateways.
For many longtime Riverside residents, the project represents more than a restored mural—it demonstrates the value of preserving public art while investing in its future. The success of this restoration has also established Mass Murals as a trusted resource for mural conservation, restoration, maintenance, and long-term protection.