New Vistula Manor Mural-a Community Collaboration Volunteers Participating include LMH Residents, Root part of Accenture, and O-I Employees

Vistula Manor will be the site for a new mural that is a collaboration between Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH), United Way of Greater Toledo, Root, part of Accenture, and O-I. The mural project is a continuation of the Thumbs Up Initiative- a neighborhood beautification partnership designed to bring communities together to foster resident engagement and fellowship. It promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion by inviting people of different backgrounds to work together to beautify their neighborhoods.

"Beautification is an essential ingredient to healthy living and the Thumbs Up Initiative is an exciting testament to how corporate and nonprofit partners can work together to authentically serve our communities. It is an honor to partner with LMH, Root part of Accenture, and Owens-Illinois volunteers to create a more inviting environment at Vistula Manor alongside its residents, who were instrumental in guiding this project," said Wendy Pestrue, president and chief executive officer at UWGT. 

The mural design was created in alignment with the Flora and Fauna theme generated by The Arts Commission. Root, part of Accenture, staff visited the property to speak with several residents to learn more about what Flora and Fauna meant to them.

Holly Grimm, Director, Learning Design, from Root, part of Accenture, stated, "Giving back to the communities in which we work and live is a vibrant part of our Root culture, and we're excited to be partnering with the United Way of Greater Toledo and Lucas Metropolitan Housing on this mural project. One of our incredibly talented artists worked with the Vistula residents to capture what might be lurking under the surface of our mighty Maumee River. It wouldn't be Root without a little fun, so we incorporated a few little surprises. Our Rootsters are ready to 'paint-by-numbers' on Tuesday and spread some cheer on Cherry Street."  

Cade Olinger of Accenture added, "We are excited to collaborate with LMH, O-I and United Way in painting the Vistula Mural in the Toledo community. Thank you to everyone in the community for making this painting a success!"

Joaquin Cintron Vega, LMH President and CEO added, "A process to achieve community development should be inclusive, diverse and engaging. At Lucas Metropolitan Housing, we are truly excited with the response from our residents to the different initiatives we are implementing to improve the quality of life for the people we so proudly serve. On this occasion, we celebrate our Vistula Manor residents' sense of belonging. They have decided to create Toledo's newest mural with a design selected by them. Join us as we continue building hope and a better Toledo! Everyone is welcome. No artistic talent needed. Stop by and say hi!

Schedule for the Vistula Mural Project

Friday, June 24                   Prep and Priming of the Walls

Monday, June 27               Projecting Image and Outlining the Design

Tuesday, June 28               Painting the Mural "paint by number" style.

NOTE: Tuesday would be the best day to capture video/photos of the artists at work.

About Lucas Metropolitan Housing

Established in 1933, Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH) continues to provide affordable housing to adults, seniors and children in its Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, Mixed-Income and Market Rate housing units. LMH also provides a myriad of programs and opportunities designed to improve the total quality of life for our residents, with the ultimate goal of achieving self-sufficiency. The programs and services are the results of successful collaborations with numerous community partners.

Our current housing portfolio consists of 2,669 Public Housing units; 4,685 Housing Choice Vouchers; 322 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit units; 8 Market Rate units and 104 Homeownership Properties. There are approximately 17,500 people who reside in LMH properties. Lucas Metropolitan Housing partners with ALL people and organizations willing to exchange ideas and efforts to enhance Toledo, Lucas County and the world.  For more information, please visit www.lucasmha.org.