The 8.5-acre area in Salt Lake City known as Fleet Block became a canvas for murals commemorating victims of police violence, providing a space for mourning and respect for lives lost. However, the murals, including likenesses of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, were demolished to make way for housing and businesses. The demolition was not related to Trump’s executive order on American history, but residents feel that what matters to them does not matter to officials.
Following Floyd’s murder, the area became a rallying point for social justice demonstrations, with memorial services and anonymous artists painting faces of those killed by police. The building was situated on city-owned land that once housed transportation operations.
The cost of preserving the murals was deemed too expensive, and safety concerns like asbestos in decaying buildings were cited. City officials plan to transform the area into public open space and feature commissioned artwork honoring social justice, but families of the victims feel the loss of the murals is irreplaceable.
Residents had been informed of plans to demolish the site for years, and family members had asked the city to preserve the spirit of the murals. While City Council Member Darin Mano acknowledges the importance of Fleet Block, the destruction of the murals has left families feeling defeated and hopeful that the city will uphold its promises. The walls symbolized a protest of love and a space for everyone to know the names, faces, and stories of those memorialized.
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