photos courtesy of Mayor Amy Wilczynski
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Allendale NJ, Allendale’s downtown just got brighter. On Aug. 4, 2025, crews installed 15 kiln-fired ceramic panels on the replastered wall at 83–89 W. Allendale Ave, bringing the borough’s Centennial Mural replacement well on its way to completion. The public art project—led by sculptor Simon Rigg with help from local volunteers and students—will be finished in time for Allendale Day on Sept. 20.
What’s been installed
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15 ceramic panels depicting local scenes and native animals
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Panels crafted by volunteers and students from Hillside, Brookside and Northern Highlands schools
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Installation overseen by sculptor Simon Rigg with crane support from ACH Crane Service
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Final site painting (estimated ~5 weeks) to visually connect the ceramic pieces
How the mural came together
The original Centennial Mural (1994), designed by George Takayama, had faded and was partially plastered over during 2020 repairs. Rigg began assembling the new ceramic figures in February 2024; many pieces required re-kilning due to natural clay shrinkage (~14%). Historian Fred Litt curated the mural’s individual elements, and Allendale Public Works supplied studio space and storage during fabrication.
“It was a long process to put together,” Rigg said, noting the masonry repairs, utility relocations, and careful numbering required to install the panels in the right sequence. Residents stopped by during installation to watch and ask questions—reaction has been “fantastic,” he added.
Funding, timeline, and public features
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Project cost: $120,000 (came in under budget)
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Funding: primarily donations—including family/business tiles, holiday ornament sales, blankets, and stadium throws featuring Allendale’s ZIP code
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Grant application pending to help offset costs
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Pocket park planned adjacent to the mural with benches, plantings, and night lighting so visitors can linger and enjoy the artwork
Mayor Amy Wilczynski praised the project as a downtown “centerpiece” that will foster community pride and attract visitors.
See it in person
The mural is expected to be fully finished by Sept. 20, just in time for Allendale Day. If you’re in the area, stop by W. Allendale Ave to watch the final paintwork or visit at night once the pocket park lighting is installed.
Why this matters
Public art projects like the Centennial Mural:
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Celebrate local history and culture
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Engage students and volunteers in hands-on arts education
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Revitalize downtowns and boost community pride
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Provide lasting landmarks for visitors and residents alike
Want to help or learn more?
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Attend Allendale Day (Sept. 20) to see the finished mural
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Contact the Allendale Borough or follow local social channels for project updates and volunteer opportunities
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Interested in supporting public art? Ask about donation or sponsorship options through the borough
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
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