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Beaumont apartment complex gets a new mural painted by Southeast Texas artist

This complex has been at the center of multiple crimes, but neighbors tell 12News that it's getting a breath of fresh air thanks to the mural.

BEAUMONT, Texas — Driving down Dowlen and Phelan a new piece of art can be seen at a West End apartment complex.

West End Crossing Apartments has a new mural thanks to Southeast Texan artist Meghan Cobb.

This complex has been at the center of multiple crimes, but neighbors tell 12News that it's getting a breath of fresh air thanks to the mural.

Lee Patridge, the manager of the apartment complex says he wants the apartments to be a fun place to live. The residents say the mural is already doing just that even though it not finished yet.

"I was driving around looking for a place and that's when I seen someone up there but not much was done yet," said Verakeshia Cartwright, a resident.

The mural made Cartwright want to live there.

"I was like, omg they did that fast so, I was like let me go in and try to get an application because it was so eye catching,' Cartwright said.

Cobb is a seasoned artist and this isn't her first mural.

"I've painted off and on my entire life. Last year I completed a 7,000 square foot mural on the RDS Building downtown," she said.

But this is the first time her canvas has been an apartment building.

"So there are elements, the dragon and there will be a table of people dining at a rustic renaissance type feast and there will be another dragon and there's a knight and shining armor and maybe even Rapunzel," Cobb said.

Cobb was offered the job three months ago by Patridge.

"We wanted to characterize the feel of the community, it's light hearted and has this neat design that expresses the diversity of our residents," said Patridge.

While the complex has been at the center of multiple crimes, including a shooting after a car jacking in July, Cartwright believes this mural has already started to turn things around.

"When I moved in it was at least 10 more other people getting their keys. I think the mural will attract more people and change that bad narrative," she said.

Cobb says she is waiting to receive a  smaller aerial lift to complete the mural. She plans to have the mural done just in time for the new year.

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