A well-loved mural of Willie Nelson and Janis Joplin in Austin, Texas may be torn down.
Mural of Country Legends Face Demolition
In downtown Austin, Texas, a colorful mural of country legends Janis Joplin and Willie Nelson covers the side of a building that once housed a popular bar. Unfortunately, a fire in February damaged the bar and led to its closure.
Now, instead of rebuilding the bar, developers plan to remove this mural to make way for a new development. Local news station KVUE reports that the nearly 100-year-old building will be transformed into a high-rise development site.
Currently, the community uses the building site as a parking lot while redevelopment plans progress. According to the property’s website, the land spans one-third of an acre and could host a multifamily residence, hotel, or office tower with no height restrictions.
KVUE reports that the City of Austin’s Historic Landmark Commission will meet on November 6 to review the demolition permits. Documents posted by the commission state that the public can speak in favor of preserving the building during this meeting.
Willie Nelson Releases New Album at 91-Years-Old
It’s easy to see why the tribute to country legend Willie Nelson is so important to the Austin, TX, community and why they want to keep the mural standing. Not only is he a Texas native, but Nelson is undeniably one of the greatest acts in country music history, and at 91 years old, he recently proved that he still has what it takes.
On November 1, he released his 153rd album.
RELATED: WILLIE NELSON PERFORMS PATRIOTIC SONG ‘LIVING IN THE PROMISELAND’
Nelson’s new album, titled Last Leaf on the Tree, is a collaboration with his son, Micah. The album explores themes of “loss, love, and world-weary hope.”
The new album even includes an updated version of his classic song “The Ghost,” which he released over 60 years ago.
Listen to Nelson’s updated version of “The Ghost” below.