#United States #Mural #Winston-Salem #Reynolds American

Reynolds American Unveils a 50,000 Square Foot Mural

Recently, the Reynolds American organization commemorated a major milestone with the unveiling of a monumental mural on Reynolds Boulevard in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This new public artwork, a collaboration between local artists Leo Rucker and Joey Allen, is not only visually stunning but also serves as a tribute to the intricate history between Reynolds American and the city itself.

The mural, which is positioned on the north-facing wall of the Reynolds Central Distribution Center (CDC) located at 1133 Reynolds Boulevard, is part of the revitalization efforts in the Reynolds Boulevard corridor. This significant area was historically home to the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company manufacturing facility, and the mural seeks to reflect that heritage along with the community's evolution.

Commissioned in early 2025 for the 150th anniversary of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, the artwork spans an impressive 33,000 square feet—a contender for the title of the largest mural on the East Coast based on wall area. It took an extraordinary 15 months, around 2,000 hours of labor, and approximately 9,000 spray paint cans to complete the vibrant artwork, which covers roughly 50,000 square feet.

The mural visually narrates the story of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company from its inception to the present day, illustrating milestones like the company's humble beginnings arriving in Winston-Salem by horse-drawn carriage, through to its advancements in agriculture and manufacturing, and finally highlighting the contemporary revitalization efforts within the city. As Leo Rucker stated, "This mural began with a concept inspired by historic stories, photographs, and milestone moments from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Whitaker Park, and Winston-Salem. It was an honor to collaborate with my colleague, Joey Allen, to transform that history into something colorful and meaningful."

The Reynolds Boulevard area has long been tied to innovation, a legacy that started with the establishment of the Research and Development organization in 1911, currently known as Bowman Gray Technical Center (BGTC). With the construction of the Reynolds CDC building in 1953, the area has been pivotal in fielding scientific advances, technology enhancements, and manufacturing capabilities. Today, more than 400 scientists work tirelessly at BGTC, pushing forward both Reynolds American's smokeless transformation journey and affirming Winston-Salem's status as the City of Arts and Innovation.

Kara Calderon, the Senior Director of Community Engagement and Sustainability, highlighted the significance of the mural for the community: "Around us, we see Whitaker Park evolving. There's new investment, partnerships, and emerging opportunities. This mural reflects the spirit of a community that continues to innovate while honoring the legacies of those who helped shape it."

As the mural stands proudly, it invites viewers to engage with the rich tapestry of history that connects Reynolds American with the local neighborhoods, embodying a bridge between the past and future. The celebration of the mural represents not just a physical beautification of the area but also a deeper connection to the community's intrinsic values and transformative journey.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the Reynolds Boulevard Mural is bound to evoke feelings of pride and inspire those who gaze upon it, emphasizing a narrative of shared growth and celebration amid changing tides of industry and artistry.