Lafayette Ditches Historic Coca-Cola Sign for Rotating Mural Program

The historic Coca-Cola sign in downtown Lafayette will soon be removed as part of a city plan to preserve its counterpart, the 'Pat and Gar's Hi-Way Bar' mural. The Lafayette City Council directed staff to move forward with the plan after rejecting an alternative option that would have restored the entire mural at a cost of between $38,800 and $110,000.

The removed Coca-Cola section will be replaced by a rotating mural program celebrating Lafayette's history, culture, and community identity. The city plans to fund the initial commissioned mural with a proposed $50,000 contribution from the Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority, which could also cover costs for future murals through sponsorships, grants, or appropriations.

Community members have sought historic designation for the mural due to its ties to Lafayette's commercial history and former 'Saloon Row.' However, it does not qualify for the state or national registers of historic places because it was removed from its original building and lacks individual significance, according to a June letter from History Colorado.