After a century in business, Crown Hill Hardware closed down in December with plans to sell the property. A couple days ago, the wrench mural was painted over — one of Crown Hill’s most recognizable landmarks at the corner of NW 80th St. and 15th Ave. NW.
“The wrench was cool, to me, for many years,” writes My Ballard reader Kurt, who sent us the photos. “Perhaps it did its job of keeping taggers at bay, who tend to not spray over existing art. I kind of hoped it would live on somehow. Wishful thinking in a neighborhood and city where everything old gets glossed over.”
No word on what’s coming to the corner next.
Update: One person in comments says, “Drove by while the guy started doing this. There already was graffiti on it. My guess is he was just trying to cover up graffiti and will hopefully continue to cover it up as now there is a blank canvas.”
![](https://www.myballard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-My-Ballard-Tile-Ad-Troop-100.png")
sweet spot for another bum camp
Why would they do this?? I am guessing the building will be demolished in 6-8 months in lieu of a multi-story apartment complex, but why take the time/energy to cover this up in the meantime and simultaneously leave a ‘blank slate’ for some graffiti?
I don’t think anyone driving by thought, “oh there’s the wrench, the hardware store must still be open”
What a waste of time and paint. Why not leave the art and paint out the name of the antiquated company? By the way, isn’t it ironic that a store that specialized in home improvement tools was perpetually surrounded by weeds? It’s no wonder they went belly up.
Drove by while the guy started doing this. There already was graffiti on it. My guess is he was just trying to cover up graffiti and will hopefully continue to cover it up as now there is a blank canvas.
I suspect they want to paint over the mural before someone declares it a protected work of art and messes up their demo plans.
I assume it’s because Crown Hill wants to be known as “North Ballard” now