Lafayette City Council Orders Removal of Historic Coca-Cola Mural
The historic Coca-Cola mural in Lafayette, Colorado has been ordered to be removed by the city council after standing for 77 years. The decision was made on August 4th, despite opposition from some community members who believe it should be preserved in its entirety.
The mural, which features a section with 'Pat and Gar's Hi-Way Bar' spelled out in bright white letters above the Coca-Cola logo, has been damaged by weather exposure and has experienced significant paint peeling and cracking. The Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority conducted an assessment in 2024 that estimated the cost of restoring the mural to be between $38,800 and $110,000.
The city council rejected a proposition to restore the existing mural in its entirety due to the high cost. Instead, they plan to remove the Coca-Cola section and replace it with a rotating mural design every three to five years at an estimated cost of $35,000 to $50,000.