In an effort to broadcast ties to Atlanta’s arts scene and enliven the property, the block-sized Midtown Union project is installing two large murals by a local artist on prominent streets.

Spanning more than 7,500 square feet collectively, the commissioned works are by Atlanta-based architect, artist, muralist, and photographer Joe Dreher, aka JOEKINGATL.

Work started earlier this month on parking garages at the bases of the mixed-use project’s two most visible high-rises, the Mira at Midtown Union apartments and a glassy, Class-AA office tower.

Rendering of the ongoing installation along Spring Street. Courtesy of Midtown Union/@joekingatl

Both “elaborate and expansive” artworks represent a “union” theme and are expected to be finished the first week of June, according to project officials.

One mural spanning 4,758 square feet is located on a corner of Midtown Union’s south garage along Spring Street. The other spans 2,750 square feet at the corner of 17th and Peachtree streets, as part of the north garage.

Faces depicted in the murals—designed to “celebrate love, art, and Atlanta”—are of the artist’s family, officials said.

Rendering of plans for the corner of 17th and West Peachtree streets. Courtesy of Midtown Union/@joekingatl

“The South mural consists of two intertwining faces,” reads the official description. “The North mural has single-line drawings of four faces and a Mobius strip, which is an infinite loop, featuring a one-sided surface without boundaries, symbolizing unity and infinity.” 

With its location near Woodruff Arts Center, the Granite Properties and MetLife Investment Management project has been planned since inception to emphasize a connection to the arts by incorporating sculptures, murals, and other art pieces.

Running through the center of the property will be Arts Center Way, a tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly street dotted with specialty shops and restaurants, developers have said. 

As seen last summer, the Mira apartment tower and its parking deck along Spring Street, where one mural is being installed. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

In addition to the 26-story office tower and 18-story apartment building, Midtown Union will include The Kimpton Wade hotel (12 stories) and roughly 30,000 square feet of retail.

It’s all expected to deliver in the fourth quarter of this year.

Midtown Union's western facades, overlooking the Connector, with the apartment building at right and offices at left. Midtown Union; designs, Cooper Carry

Recent Midtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)