Restored Coca-Cola mural unveiled in Centreville
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A historic mural in Centreville has been restored, bringing back a classic look to the Town Square.
Centreville Main Street partnered with the Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola Bottling Company, a sales center for Coca-Cola United, to unveil the mural on July 7.
“This project represents what can happen when businesses, nonprofits and community leaders come together around a shared vision. The mural celebrates our history, strengthens our downtown and creates another reason for residents and visitors alike to experience everything Centreville has to offer.”
Ashton Cottingham, Centreville Main Street Board Chairman
Centreville’s historic Coca-Cola mural
The mural first went up in the 1940s, one of many Coca-Cola murals across the state at the time.
The restoration project, which cost about $20,000 and took one year to complete, is meant to celebrate the town’s history. It was fully funded through a partnership between Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola and The Coca-Cola Company.
The project involved extensive historical research along with photo verification and preservation planning to ensure the mural reflected its original appearance.
“Planners credit the mural’s authenticity to Jim Oakley, former owner, publisher and editor of The Centreville Press newspaper. An original photo taken by Oakley in 1946 was instrumental in restoring the mural.”
Coca-Cola United
Guests in attendance at the unveiling received a commemorative Centreville Coca-Cola bottle.
Since 2020, Coca-Cola UNITED and the Coca-Cola Company have partnered with communities to restore murals across Alabama including:
- Calera
- Fayette
- Waverly
- Wetumpka
“Historic murals tell the story Coca-Cola’s connection to hometowns across America. We’re proud to partner with local bottlers like Coca-Cola UNITED and community leaders to restore these landmarks, ensuring they can be enjoyed by future generations while supporting the revitalization of Main Streets across our region.”
Ian Smith, Director of Franchise Leadership at The Coca-Cola Company
