The Syracuse basketball mural built around the program’s greatest names is getting a new home downtown.
What was first planned for 327 West Fayette St. will now go up at the corner of West Genesee Street and Clinton Street, near Clinton Square on the side of a building next to Glazed & Confused. Artist Chris B. Murray confirmed the switch Monday, saying the change came down to fit.
“It’s the nature of the beast with projects like this,” Murray said of the seemingly late decision to move to another location.
Murray said the wall at the original site was “just a little too big and there were too many windows” for the GOAT mural. The project, short for Greatest of All-Time, is meant to feature the top players in Syracuse men’s and women’s basketball history.
The new spot sits at a pocket park named for the late Syracuse Post-Standard columnist Robert Haggart. Murray still needs approval from the Syracuse Public Arts Commission before painting can begin. He has already filed an application, and the commission is set to meet July 28.
The mural is expected to cost about $75,000, and Murray said private donations will cover the expense.
The design calls for 25 to 30 players to be worked into a large goat, with Syracuse basketball figures including Carmelo Anthony, Gerry McNamara, Felisha Legette-Jack, Dwayne “Pearl” Washington, John Wallace, Rony Seikaly, Hakim Warrick, Brittney Sykes, Tiana Mangakahia, Dyaisha Fair, Derrick Coleman, Lawrence Moten, Louis Orr and Roosevelt Bouie.
Murray has already left his mark on Syracuse with a mural honoring former Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim at 215 W. Fayette St. He said he had once considered the Clinton and West Genesee site for that Boeheim piece, and building owner Mike Tisdell had shown interest in hosting it.
“I knew about this other location,” Murray said. ”But it just didn’t work out."
The original wall at 327 W. Fayette St. is owned by Mike Flynn, who owns Flynnstoned Cannabis Company. Flynn said Murray let him know Sunday that the mural would be moving elsewhere.
Flynn had covered up artwork on the building by local artist Ally Walker, though he said that was always part of the plan.
“I’m going to leave it alone for now,” Flynn said.
Walker said she understood the decision and appreciated the opportunity.
“Mike’s the owner and he wanted to keep it revolving,’' Walker said. ”Mike hired me.
He was a great client. I was flattered and really proud of the mural.’'
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