Main Street Kirksville Awarded 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant for Downtown Mural
Main Street Kirksville is excited to share that our organization has been selected to receive a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant, which will fund a new mural in downtown Kirksville. The AARP Community Challenge is a nationwide “quick‑action” grant program that funds local projects making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a special focus on residents age 50 and older.
A new mural for downtown Kirksville
With support from AARP, Main Street Kirksville will partner with Pickell Abstract Co. to commission an artist to design and install a permanent mural on the south side of the Pickell Abstract Co. building at 115 S. Franklin. The mural will add color and energy to the heart of our downtown, creating a more welcoming and walkable environment for residents, visitors, shoppers, and event‑goers.
The project is designed with people age 50+ in mind, recognizing that public art, attractive streetscapes, and gathering spaces help older adults feel more connected, active, and proud of the place they call home. AARP’s Community Challenge grants support permanent physical improvements like murals, seating, and streetscape upgrades that can be completed within the year and deliver immediate impact.
Kickoff Event
At noon on June 24, Main Street Kirksville and Pickell Abstract Co. hosted a special announcement event at the mural site, welcoming Kirksville residents and visitors to learn more about the project and see the wall that will soon be transformed. About 20 community members attended the midday gathering, where Main Street Kirksville provided box lunches as a thank‑you for their support and participation.
Celebrating with a long time Main Street Kirksville Partner
Pickell Abstract Co. is a long‑time Main Street Kirksville partner and a key champion for a vibrant downtown. This project reflects the kind of collaboration that powers our work: local property owners, businesses, and nonprofits working together to bring new life and energy to the historic core of Kirksville.
“Our family and our business have been part of downtown Kirksville for many years, and we’re proud to host a mural that celebrates this place,” said Linda Ranson, owner of Pickell Abstract Co.. “Working with Main Street Kirksville on this project is exactly the kind of partnership that keeps downtown growing, welcoming, and full of new ideas.”
“We’re thrilled to bring this mural to life with one of our long‑standing partners, Pickell Abstract,” said Laci Cook, Executive Director of Main Street Kirksville. “Projects like this show what’s possible when building owners, businesses, and community members team up through Main Street to invest in downtown’s future.”
Why this grant matters
Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has invested millions of dollars in more than 2,000 local projects across the country, helping communities create safer streets, better public spaces, and more inclusive programming for people 50 and older. In 2026, AARP has doubled its investment and is awarding more than $8 million nationwide through this program.
By choosing Main Street Kirksville as one of its 2026 grantees, AARP is helping our community move quickly from idea to reality. The mural project is exactly the kind of “quick‑action” improvement this grant is designed to support—visible, permanent, and rooted in local collaboration between nonprofits, businesses, and residents.
What happens next
Over the coming months, Main Street Kirksville will work with Pickell Abstract Co. to select an artist, finalize the mural design, and schedule installation on the south wall at 115 S. Franklin. The project will be completed and unveiled to the public in fall 2026, with a community celebration planned once the mural is finished.
We’ll share updates on the artist selection, design concepts, and unveiling date here on our website and on our social media channels. Community members can also watch for opportunities to share input and participate in related downtown events as the project moves forward.
Join Main Street Kirksville as a partner
Partnerships like this one with Pickell Abstract Co. are at the heart of Main Street Kirksville’s mission. When local property owners, businesses, and community members become Main Street partners, they help make projects like the AARP mural possible—along with events, beautification efforts, wayfinding, and other improvements that keep downtown thriving.
If you own a downtown business or property, or simply love Kirksville’s historic square, we invite you to join Main Street Kirksville as a partner. Your support helps us secure grants, coordinate projects, and bring more public art, events, and amenities to our community’s gathering place. Visit www.mainstreetkirksville.com or contact us at info@mainstreetkirksville.com to learn more about partnership opportunities.
About the AARP Community Challenge
The AARP Community Challenge is AARP’s annual “quick‑action” grant program, funding local projects that make communities more livable for people of all ages. The program supports permanent physical improvements, temporary demonstrations that lead to long‑term change, and new programs that advance AARP’s livable communities work—especially for residents age 50 and older.
You can learn more about the AARP Community Challenge, see past projects, and explore additional resources for livable communities at AARP.org/CommunityChallenge. #aarp #AARPCommunityChallenge