There are six CVS stores in Hartford. Only one is in a building with any architectural flair, and that downtown location is set to move into another space in the near future. (The one on Washington Street built in place of an historical building that was torn down instead of reused does not count as having character.) Otherwise, the ubiquitous pharmacy with a penchant for dull, box construction — with an easy-to-reverse-your-car-through façade —  presents opportunity for visual improvement. This is equally true of other chain stores found in Hartford, from gas stations to doughnut shops.

A CVS on the corner of Thayer and Cushing Street in Providence shows that another reality is possible. CVS paid RISD students to create the mural. It has not been without some controversy, partly because everything just has to be controversial these days, but regardless: Artists were paid.

Coincidentally, the University of Hartford has an art school which offers several Public Art classes. CCSU has a Mural Painting class and is just a quick bus ride away. Trinity College has a Studio Arts program.

It does not seem to be too much to ask that the businesses that are thriving in our neighborhoods do more to fit in and boost the character of those neighborhoods, whether that means adding murals designed and painted by those living here or installing vegetation that beautifies the area and helps reduce the heat island effect.