What’s the new mural going up on U.S. 280 in Mountain Brook?

If you’ve driven down U.S. 280 in Mountain Brook this week, chances are you’ve noticed a new mural taking shape on a prominent wall across from the Shades Mountain Water Plant.

Painted by artist Shawn Fitzwater and commissioned by non-profit Embrace Alabama Kids, the vibrant new mural will depict three iconic landmarks representing the City of Mountain Brook: the Old Mill House, Jemison Trail Bridge and Mountain Brook Village.

We met with the creators of the mural to learn more.

Have you seen the new mural going up on U.S. 280?

Each day, more than 100,000 vehicles pass through the busiest section of U.S. 280 near I-459 on their way to and from Birmingham. Yesterday, when I was among those 100,000, I caught a glimpse of what looked like a familiar face painting the retaining wall near Overton Road.

I fired off a text to my prime suspect: Shawn Fitzwater, a prominent local muralist whom I first met in 2019 as he restored the Color TV sign in Edgewood. After confirming that it was indeed him, Fitzwater connected me with the client behind the project: Embrace Alabama Kids.

Embrace Alabama Kids is creating the new mural

Founded in 1890 as the United Methodist Children’s Home, Embrace Alabama Kids is a faith-based non-profit that provides homes, healing and hope for families and vulnerable children who cannot live with their biological families.

“When we rebranded in 2021 as Embrace Alabama Kids, we positioned ourselves for broader statewide engagement and support which is crucial to our success. For more than 135 years, our ministry has been rooted in faith and dedicated to serving vulnerable children and families across every corner of Alabama. Guided by a longstanding commitment to the children of Alabama, we have provided compassionate and quality care — strengthening lives, families, and communities throughout our state.”

Rebecca McKinney Morris, Sr. VP of External Affairs, Embrace Alabama Kids

When Rebecca McKinney Morris with Embrace Alabama Kids moved back to Mountain Brook in December, she noticed the faded art on the retaining wall on the shoulder U.S. 280 and thought, “somebody has to do something with this wall.” Although several artists have attempted to repaint the wall over the years, they’ve been unable to secure the necessary permits; the wall was last painted in the 1990s.

But those artists didn’t have Rebecca McKinney Morris. After several phone calls to state representatives, ALDOT and the City of Mountain Brook, Rebecca McKinney Morris connected with Senator Dan Roberts and Mayor Graham Smith—the City of Mountain Brook’s first elected female mayor—both of whom were thrilled about the idea of repainting the wall.

“I shared with Mayor Smith that, pending permit and city council approval, Embrace Alabama Kids would oversee and manage the project from start to finish. With the proper approvals in place, we were fully prepared to execute the vision with excellence and attention to detail.

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who believes in our mission, and understands the challenges for non-profits, we had the resources secured to fund the mural in its entirety. With Highway 280 already under construction, the timing aligned perfectly. What began as an idea quickly moved through the appropriate channels — from council resolution to coordination and implementation — and it was remarkable to see the right leadership, support, and opportunity come together.”

Rebecca McKinney Morris, Sr. VP of External Affairs, Embrace Alabama Kids

About the mural

As of Tuesday, February 17, the mural is mostly greens, whites and blues. Over the next few days, passersby will start to see a vibrant scene appear on the ten-foot-tall, 80-foot-wide wall.

According to Rebecca McKinney Morris, the finished product will be a three-panel piece depicting iconic vistas in Mountain Brook:

• The Old Mill House on Mountain Brook Parkway
• The bridge on Jemison Trail
• Mountain Brook Village

“We are deeply grateful to Embrace Alabama Kids for this stunning new mural that so beautifully captures Mountain Brook’s iconic landmarks — from the Old Mill and Jemison Trail to Gilchrist Corner. Their generous spirit has done more than brighten a once-neglected corridor; it has reminded us that when public and private partners come together with a shared sense of purpose, truly transformative projects are possible! This mural reflects not only the character of our community, but the heart behind the mission of Embrace Alabama Kids to serve children and families across our state.”

Mayor Graham Smith, City of Mountain Brook

To bring her vision to fruition, Rebecca McKinney Morris contacted Shawn Fitzwater of Fitz Signs & Murals. Since I first met him in 2019, Fitzwater has painted countless murals in Birmingham and beyond—from a poly-portrait of a red panda at the Birmingham Zoo and the exterior facade of the new Seasick Records to a series of 11 massive murals at SeaWorld San Diego.

“From our first conversation, Shawn truly listened to the vision and asked thoughtful questions. He was engaged, genuinely interested in the purpose behind the project, and eager to bring something meaningful to the community.

Shawn is exceptionally talented, responsive, and a pleasure to work with — but what set him apart most was his belief in the idea itself. Even with an intimidating timeline, he never hesitated. His response was simple and confident: ‘If you get it approved, I’ll get it done.’ That level of commitment and community focus made the decision clear.”

Rebecca McKinney Morris, Sr. VP of External Affairs, Embrace Alabama Kids

Subject to weather delays, Fitzwater is aiming to complete the new mural by the end of February.

Have you spotted Shawn Fitzwater working on the new mural on U.S. 280? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!