DETROIT – After gathering ideas from the community, Dr. Hubert Massey revealed his design for a mural on the sound barrier outside the Stellantis Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack plant during a virtual meeting with residents on Thursday, Aug. 18.  

The renowned fresco artist and Detroit resident brings the culture and history of the area to life in what will be one of the largest murals in the region. Different themed sections will create a historic timeline of the community, highlighting its strengths and diversity. 

“What ties all this together is a band of the different cultures that live in the community,” Dr. Massey said. “These people love their community. They get involved, and they’re steadfast for their community. 

Dr. Massey held an initial virtual community meeting on June 15 and met with residents to get their input and gather ideas on what was important to them for the design of the mural.

“There was just a wealth of information that I received,” Dr. Massey said. “I listened to what they had to say historically about their community, some of their aspirations as far as how they would like to see this mural represent their community.” 

With the surface primed, Dr. Massey’s drawings will be transferred onto the southern section of the sound barrier, and then painting is expected to begin after Labor Day. The northern section is expected to be completed next year.

The mural project is part of the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) reached between Stellantis, the City of Detroit, and the Neighborhood Advisory Committee, a partnership that provides more than $35 million in support for neighborhood improvements, housing, workforce development, education and training programs, and environmental initiatives. In 2019, the company committed to investing $2.5 billion to build the first new assembly plant in Detroit in 30 years and upgrade its existing Jefferson plant, creating nearly 5,000 new jobs and putting Detroiters first in the application process. 

Partnering with Dr. Massey and Stellantis on the project are Commercial Contracting Corporation (CCC) and PPG, which are providing equipment and supplies. 

“The mural came to fruition because of longstanding partnerships with PPG and CCC who both committed time and resources, and share Stellantis’ vision to make the east side of Detroit standout amongst other great neighborhoods in the city,” said Ron Stallworth, external affairs lead for Wayne County, Stellantis – North America. “The mural was a request from the community, and will serve as a unifying landmark for residents on the east side, Stellantis and visitors to the area.”  

“Commercial Contracting Corporation is proud of its history providing construction services to Stellantis and excited to be part of the campaign to demonstrate the influence and impact Detroit and Stellantis have had on each other,” Stephen Fragnoli, President of Commercial Contracting Corporation. “We are excited to see Dr. Massey’s rendition in capturing the importance of the relationship between Stellantis, Detroit and the people of this great American city.”  

“At PPG, our purpose is to protect and beautify the world through color and meaningful participation in the communities where we live and work through our Colorful Communities program,” said Ramzy R. Hazamy, PPG global account director, Automotive OEM Coatings. “PPG is delighted to be involved in this mural project with Stellantis, Dr. Massey and CCC.” 

About Commercial Contracting Corporation (CCC) 

CCC, a Detroit-based business, has grown to become an Engineering News-Record Top 400 Contractor providing a wide range of construction services for industrial, commercial and institutional markets across North America. CCC’s commitment to quality Construction and Equipment Installation services has led to a stellar reputation resulting in repeat business.  

About PPG

Pittsburgh-based PPG, a Fortune 500 paints and coatings company, engages in community efforts such as the Detroit mural project through its Colorful Communities program. The Colorful Communities program, PPG’s signature initiative for supporting communities, aims to protect and beautify the neighborhoods where PPG operates around the world. Through the Colorful Communities program, PPG’s committed volunteers contribute their time and PPG paint products to help transform community assets – from painting classrooms, to bringing color to a maternity ward and redesigning a playground. Since 2015, PPG has completed nearly 400 Colorful Communities projects, impacting more than 7.4 million people in 42 countries.