Regency recently held its first annual Placemaking and Mural Competition. We sought entries for the best murals and placemaking in our portfolio from our teams in all 24 offices.
We received many terrific entries, which made judging difficult! Learn more about our winners and see all entries below.
Stairway Mural Spanning 138 Steps Grand Ridge Plaza | Issaquah, WA submitted by Alisa Taggart
To mark the 25th anniversary of the Issaquah Highlands and the 10th anniversary of Grand Ridge Plaza, a vibrant staircase mural was unveiled behind DICK'S Sporting Goods in 2023. Created by local artist and landscape architect Tori Shao, the 137-step mural features the Pacific Trillium, symbolizing the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, with pink tones honoring Kokanee salmon.
Tori’s perspective as a woman of color and her connection to the community brought depth and meaning to the artwork. Unveiled on September 12, 2023, the mural celebrates local heritage, diversity, and inclusion, while transforming the staircase into a striking landmark that embodies the spirit of the Issaquah Highlands.
2nd Place
Seven Murals Painted by a Local Teacher Glenwood Green | Old Bridge, NJ submitted by Liz Donley
This newly completed development celebrates the "Birds of Middlesex County," featuring murals inspired by the 308 bird species spotted in the area. Middlesex County rivals renowned locations like Yellowstone National Park for bird diversity, making it a fitting tribute to local wildlife.
Created by a local muralist and school teacher, the artwork highlights the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity. The murals are prominently displayed in common areas, enriching the community space with vibrant visuals and a connection to nature. This project, initiated before COVID and now completed, reflects a shared pride in Middlesex County’s unique environmental heritage.
3rd Place
Mural Celebrating the Mariposa, Meaning Butterfly Mariposa Shopping Center | Santa Clara, CA submitted by Liz Croft
To capture the essence of “Mariposa,” meaning butterfly in Spanish, property manager Bryanna Fox commissioned a mural celebrating transformation. Painter Mike Bam designed Aurelian Season, a geometric piece that evolves from abstract shapes on the left to a vivid butterfly on the right, symbolizing growth and change.
This stunning artwork brings depth and beauty to the space, offering a meaningful tribute to the transformative spirit of the butterfly.
Murals: Large-Scale Application
1st Place
“What’s in Your Yard” and “Vintage Postcard” Village District | Raleigh, NC submitted by Brooke Conn
Village District teamed up with local artist Sean Kernick to transform two key spaces with stunning murals. The 175-foot What’s in Your Backyard mural, completed in early 2024, showcases native birds and flowers of Raleigh, bringing life to a once-desolate brick wall near Starbucks.
Building on this success, a vintage postcard-inspired mural was unveiled in late October. Featuring hibiscus, dogwoods, tulips, and iconic Village District landmarks, it blends perfectly with the center’s branding. Both murals, completed entirely with spray paint, have gained attention in Raleigh Magazine and social media, turning these spaces into vibrant community focal points.
2nd Place
Numerous Center Murals The Hub Hillcrest Market | San Diego, CA submitted by Laura Borenstein-Hofman
Redeveloped in 2015, The Hub Hillcrest Market was transformed to reflect its location in one of San Diego’s most vibrant communities. Six large murals, created by local San Diego artists, now enhance the property, bringing life and color to the space.
Additionally, two intricate metal mesh installations span two stories along 10th Avenue, crafted by a renowned local metal artist. These artworks showcase the community’s creativity and add a unique touch to this reimagined landmark.
3rd Place
“La Nina de Tus Ojos” (The Apple of Your Eye) Sheridan Plaza | Hollywood, FL submitted by Alex De Antoni
This mural celebrates Hollywood, Florida’s culture and diversity. Inspired by Central American and Mexican art, it features vibrant Miami-style colors, hibiscus flowers, and folk art that reflect the area’s beauty and spirit. Located at Azteca Restaurant in Sheridan Plaza, it transforms an underused space into a welcoming landmark.
As West Hollywood’s first mural, the project overcame city regulatory challenges with support from local leaders. The artwork, created by Miami-based muralists Alex and Tati, has become a community favorite, attracting visitors and boosting local pride. Backed by Regency and Azteca Restaurant, the mural fosters connection, cultural identity, and excitement in Hollywood.
Small-Scale Placemaking
1st Place
4S Commons Town Center | San Diego, CA submitted by Briana Gamez
This project revitalized an underused area of the shopping center, transforming it into a vibrant community hub. The redesign replaced two underperforming restaurants with Mendocino Farms and Sweetgreen, enhancing the space with safe play areas, outdoor dining, and a welcoming atmosphere.
The project exceeded expectations, becoming a cherished spot where families, friends, and coworkers gather daily. Praised by local “Moms of San Diego” Instagram pages as a top family destination, the space now bustles with activity.
Originally desolate and uninviting, the location was reimagined by the Market Officer, who saw its potential to create a lively and safe space for all ages, blending functionality with community pride.
2nd Place
Dunwoody Village | Dunwoody, GA submitted by Jade Washington
The Dunwoody Village courtyard was transformed into a vibrant Town Center, revitalizing a previously underutilized space. Located in a highly affluent community, the redesign brought life and purpose with strategic placemaking and thoughtful features.
This new gathering spot boasts art, comfortable seating, shade, lighting, and games like chess and cornhole. A stage for performances and a large TV screen enhance the experience, while frequent events and family-friendly activities expand hours of activation.
The project has turned the courtyard into an energetic hub, creating an authentic and inviting space that appeals to families and brings charm to Dunwoody’s retail community.
3rd Place
Twin Peaks | Poway, CA submitted by Athena Ibe-Ibanez
Poway’s Living Wall is a stunning vertical garden, standing 36' x 25.6' tall since late 2018. Created as part of a larger remodel, this unique installation features over 5,000 succulents arranged in a rainbow-like design on a recycled frame, enhancing the grocer's storefront with vibrant curb appeal.
The Living Wall has become a beloved landmark in the neighborhood shopping center scene. With regular upkeep and a refurbishment in 2023, it continues to attract locals and visitors alike. A symbol of fresh vitality, the wall invites people to share its beauty on social media using #TwinPeaksGreenWall.
Large-Scale Placemaking
1st Place
Mellody Farm | Vernon Hills, IL submitted by Alisa Taggart
Mellody Farm blends public art and unique seating to create a vibrant, community-focused space. Featuring murals by renowned artists like Tristan Eaton and Chicago’s Matthew Hoffman (You Are Beautiful campaign), the center showcases artistic excellence.
Last year, three artisan-designed benches, crafted by local artists and Regency Centers team members, were added as functional art pieces. These installations encourage visitors to linger and connect with the space.
With plans to launch an interactive art walk highlighting its artistic touchpoints, Mellody Farm continues to foster community engagement and elevate the guest experience through creative placemaking.
2nd Place
The Crossing Clarendon | Arlington, VA submitted by EJ Enciso
This project turned an underused central green, playground, and drive lane into a vibrant recreational hub. The new space features a vertical play structure called the Walhalla, cushioned-turf for safe play, a fire pit, lush landscaping, inviting furniture, and music, creating a welcoming environment for all ages.
Now, families can lounge, chat, read, or enjoy outdoor meals, while kids explore the exciting play area. The space also hosts marketing activations and interactive displays, fostering community connections and adding fun and excitement to the property. This transformation has become a cherished gathering place for the community.
3rd Place
Village at La Floresta | Brea, CA submitted by Alisa Taggart
Oasis Plaza at the Village at La Floresta in Brea, California, is a vibrant gathering space anchored by a stunning kinetic sculpture by artists Anna Valentina Murch and Douglas Hollis, part of Brea’s Art in Public Places initiative.
Surrounded by popular eateries and Whole Foods Market, the plaza features inviting seating and open spaces, creating a tranquil yet lively hub for community connection. It hosts events and activities that enrich the shopping and dining experience, making it the centerpiece of the center. Oasis Plaza perfectly blends art, leisure, and retail, reflecting a commitment to fostering community engagement and creating a welcoming destination.
All Other Entries
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