It is really sad that those paintings (which was part of the ludington history) was covered up, for the hope of making a dollar. This is such a shame that the owner doesn't have much pride in local history.

Those painting looked as cheap as the junk that used to be sold inside. Way to grow Leo.

I agree, very sad to see the murals painted over. He won't be making any of my dollars. The stucco exterior walls would go well with all the eye-sore condo's though.

I agree wholeheartedly. Why would he have any pride in Ludington, he's not from here... Sad

I would really hope the paint is temporary - it clearly interferes with American symbolism. The American flag is my color of choice.

Agreed!! How sad to see them go... they are truely a part of this town. I remember them as one of my very first Ludington memories, when I moved away for a short time I was always happy to see them when I came back.

I am so sad to think we won't see those murals any longer. They were the highlight of the corner. I hope the restaurant doesn't do too well for having the insensitivity to cover up a part of Ludington's history!

I wish to compliment the Luciano's Rest. in an expansion, esp. during such hard times. Good luck and prosper well. However, I too hate to see a part of Lud's. history disappear with an Italian Flag demo.. Couldn't anyone find the time and money to replace those empty spaces after the original artwork was cut-out and removed? Maybe not too easy and costly, ???$$$, but they certainly would have a value to Lud. residents now and in the future, if you only like art a little tiny bit, JMO. P.S.Where's the art league? Have they no sense of value/history/that are at the church now? Sorry loss, hope someone strips that paint quickly to save a long history that is now somewhat/totally destroyed forever.???

Sad....Sad...Sad...the only redeaming feature of downtown..is gone. A landmark destroyed. I watched those being painted and then refreshed. That made not only the building look terrible but the entire downtown area. What were they thinking......Will never go in that place again. That was a meeting point for many a tourist over the years.

I wonder how many of your readers remember when the business in the building was called Mulligans. Later, W.E. Stevenson, owner of the Pontiac - Oldsmobile - GMC truck dealership bought the business and called it the Main News. The history of the paintings is not really that old. Mr. Stevenson owned the business in the mid-sixties.

get over yourself...what do you want him to do leave cause people liked it? he is a business owner who has the right to make is business look and feel the way he wants to draw in more people. i say way to go Leo, thank you for investing in this city. apparently this resident would prefer you not invest and let the building sit empty all so they can look at old paintings..sounds like you Ludington resident might be part of the reason Ludington is dying, you are afraid of change and progress!

I disagree, ludington resident. Mr. Maniaci bought the building and is entitled to paint the walls as he sees fit. If you felt strongly enough about saving the murals, you could have purchased the building and preserved them yourself.

I think it's sad also.. Thats been a staple since i've lived there.

Ludington resident, I remember watching them being painted on the building and believe they were a landmark but I also believe its a good thing someone bought that building and is fixing it up and trying to improve Ludington. I dont know how you work in cowboy paintings into a Italian resturants theme. I wish them success in these tough times for buisness and hope it improves Ludington.

Here we go...criticism of a businessman for expanding his business rather than move East to restaurant row. Preserving an antiquated mural means absolutely nothing to the expansion of the downtown area. That "making of a dollar" just might be the impetus for other businesses to make downtown Ludington an interesting place to shop and eat.

I am honestly happy to see the murals gone and I am very excited to that building redone... yes, it will make downtown feel a little strange, but change is not always bad and Ludington needs to embrace it and reinvent itself as some of the older stores close or downsize and as the state's economy reinvents itself.

I also was saddened by the painting over of the murals. I am glad the building will no longer be empty though. But did the murals really have to go... seems like just yesterday i watched them being re-painted.

mike, you said it right

Why is it that historic preservation and tradition can't coexist with Italian food being served? The downtown needs vibrant businesses but it takes more than a themed building facade to attract business. I wholeheartly applaud the expansion into the former Ft Daul building but preserving a piece of the past and getting a good meal are not incompatible events. Viewing a gaudy Italian flag wall is not going to steer my dinner decision but lack of concern for preserving the past and linking it the present and future just might...

Are you all kidding me? Those paintings looked like crap! Also why would he use american flag colors. It's an Italian resturant. Everyone should be happy that a business in town is doing well enough to expand. As far as the paintings, I'm happy to see them gone.

I too enjoyed the murals for most of my life and was sad to see them covered up...but let's not bash someone trying to make a living during this horrible economy. I am sure that if he thought they could somehow fit into his restaurant theme he would have left them. I agree with Phil..better to have something repainted than to see a building sit vacant. There have been many changes in Ludington over the past 20 years or so and this is just another..to say you will not eat in his establishment because he painted his building with the colors of the Italian flag is totally ridiculous.

Are you kidding - people liked the paintings? Those old murals looked cheap! I'm glad to see them go, and I'm glad for a local business to expand in the downtown area. Best of luck to Luciano's!

Many people do associate the murals with downtown Ludington and do so fondly. Many will be put off by the seeming disregard of Ludington history by their elimination, but Mr. Maniaci does have the right to cover them up or replace them with windows. Whether this was a good choice on his part is another matter, as this will definitely upset a good amount of locals and fudgies, at least temporarily.

I cant believe with all te trouble thy country is facing there are so many peopleposting about some pictures being painted over. Just keep on while the real issues at hand are ignored!!

Those murals were the most cheesey sights in Ludington - good ridance!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and one man's trash is another man's treasure. I think both sides could have had their cake and eat it too here. But, it just wasn't a thought nor option I guess for Luciano's. The local Art League should have been on the scene here, but, alas, they were busy with other things I do guess. Whether people appreciate history or not around Ludington, is each individual's right. But, we, whom were born & raised here, or have made it our home for decades, deserve a chance to preserve that part of the community, that which we came from, that which is a part of us, that which reminds us of our ancestors, and, can coiincide with our future. Might as well start tearing down the lighthouse, courthouse, coast guard station, carferry slips, post office, Elks bldg., white pine village, get the picture now outlanders?

Why couldn't they have just put a wood panel up over the murals to paint the stupid flags on? Either that or they should have found a way to remove the murals, to save them! Those murals were beautiful and now they have been destroyed, I for one am very disappointed.

Why is everyone upset that with the loss of these murals we're losing part of Ludington's history? The scenes depicted had nothing to do with Ludington's history. I was always perplexed as to why scenes of the Old West were displayed here in the first place. (Leo, you rock!)

Is this one of those towns where one must have been there for three generations to be considered a "resident"? I believe mr. Maniachi and his family have been there for many years, but many to me may not be many to all. Anything over ten years would constitute a resident to me. This family has definately contributed greatly to this community I believe. If this resturante is providing press, to bring more jobs.. lets face it, no one knows about Luddington outside of residents and those traveling to eat at this resturante.