FISHERS, Ind. – The City of Fishers and the family of Christopher Reid officially cut the ribbon for a newly completed community mural on June 21st at Nickel Plate Station that will serve as a gathering place for patrons of the future Cafe Patachou restaurant and the Nickel Plate trail.
The Nickel Plate Station project includes two historic buildings that CRG Residential is rehabilitating. The side of the historic building provided a perfect canvas for a community mural that gives a nod to the city’s past as well as to the future direction of Fishers.
CRG Residential Founder and CEO Christopher Reid and family privately provided all the funds for the mural, which can be seen while driving east on 116th Street.
“As longtime residents of Fishers, our family was excited to support this mural project, which will become a gathering point or Instagram-moment for all to enjoy,” Reid said. “It was important to us to work with muralists who shared our vision showcasing the history of Fishers while also looking forward to the city remaining a top-rated community in the U.S.”
The Wilkinson Brothers were chosen to complete the mural after a selection process that included a public call-out, application review and interviews. Wilkinson Brothers provided CRG with a concept and both parties worked together to develop a final product. The final mural is not too different from the original concept.
Corey and Casey Wilkinson started Wilkinson Brothers Graphic Artists in 2003 and have many works of art featured throughout the Indianapolis area. The Wilkinson Brothers describe themselves as having an entrepreneurial spirit with a blue-collar upbringing and much of their work reflects the old-style Americana feel.
“This was a great, collaborative effort with Chris Reid,” Corey and Casey Wilkinson said. “We are happy to bring this mural to the people of Fishers for their enjoyment.”
Styled as a postcard from Fishers, the mural highlights some of its past, present, and future. The past is represented by a train that acknowledges the area as a former train station. The station was originally named Fishers Switch after local resident Salathiel Fisher. In 1902, the name was shortened to Fishers. Salathiel is represented by his likeness in the stamp, which sold for 2 cents in 1902. The present and future are represented by the Conner Prairie balloon, White River, music from the amphitheater and icons that show why Fishers is a great place to work and live.
Throughout the next year, a new building will be constructed along the trail to be the home of a new Café Patachou. The adjoining plaza will be a gathering spot for restaurant patrons and people taking breaks from their trail activities. The mural will be a focal point of the plaza and is expected to be fully accessible for photo opportunities in 2024.
About the City of Fishers
The City of Fishers is a suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana, located in Hamilton County, and is consistently nationally ranked as a top place to live. Under the leadership of Mayor Scott Fadness, Fishers is known as a smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial city through its neighborhood development, dedication to supporting high-growth companies, and innovative city processes. With a population of 101,171 (2021, U.S. Census Bureau). Fishers is one of the fastest growing communities in Indiana and has received national accolades for entrepreneurship, livability, and safety. City branding guidelines and logos can be downloaded here.
