Location of Mural
The mural will be placed in the partially excavated tunnel (currently filled in) directly outside the West Jersey Depot. The address of the train station is 354 Oakwood Ave, Glassboro, NJ 08028, so the address of the tunnel is similar. The physical coordinates of the location are 39°42'16.3"N 75°07'16.3"W.
Description of the Train Station's Place
Located near the intersection of Whitney and Oakwood Avenues, the train station is across the street from a metal arch. Students, faculty, and visitors could easily reach the grounds of Rowan University from the train station, having only to walk a short distance before reaching a welcoming arch that would greet them as they entered campus. Walking through the arch revealed the University Green and the founding buildings of Rowan University.
Description of the Mural's Place
The tunnel outside the West Jersey Depot is currently filled in, though in the 1800's and early 1900's it was used by passengers going to and from the trains. It was excavated recently, though filled back in due to safety concerns. No pictures exist of the West Jersey Depot's tunnel, though there are images of other tunnels.
Significance of the Mural's Place
The site was selected for the mural due to its social, cultural, and historical significance. The train station traditionally was a hub of activity, so the mural should be placed near the station to emphasize its cultural roots. Since the train station has a role of being a welcome center, more people are likely to view the mural if it is near the station. However, the mural is somewhat hidden since it is placed inside a partially excavated tunnel, which provided travelers a way to go between the tracks to get on and off their rides. Historically, the tunnel was operating for many years, and it was only recently rediscovered, though it was filled in due to safety concerns. Placing the mural in the partially excavated tunnel allows visitors to more vividly feel the station as it existed when it was operating. It allows them to glimpse the culture of going to work or school every day, arriving from the train and going through the tunnel to the other side of the tracks before walking to their final destination. By placing the mural in the tunnel at the train station, it would help contribute to the station's function as a welcome center. Considering that the tunnel is underground, a light would have to be placed in the tunnel so that visitors can see the mural.
Community Partners
Community partners might include the Glassboro Historical Society, which holds its meetings at the station. Recently, the Glassboro Historical Society has been interested in creating a mural at the West Jersey Depot, representing its history, and this imagined mural could provide a basis for the construction.
Estimated Costs
The mural would be approximately 6' x 6', constructed by painting the side of the tunnel. Considering materials, the cost of the mural would be approximately $800 to $1,400.
Maintenance Considerations
With the mural being constructed in the partially excavated tunnel, there are maintenance considerations that should be taken into account. Train tunnels tend to be centers of graffiti and trash, so simple cleaning would need to be performed on a regular basis. Since the mural would be inside the tunnel, it will be somewhat protected from weathering, though heavy snow and flooding over time can make the paint more likely to fade. Sunlight would not affect the mural, and thus it could not fade the paint over time.