Public utility boxes aren’t pretty. Here’s what one city did to bring a splash of color to town

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Little Elm officials have begun transforming the town’s ubiquitous, mundane public utility boxes into bright works of art.

Partnering with Signarama Frisco and using drawings from a Frisco ISD teacher and students in the Little Elm and Denton school districts, the town is wrapping the boxes in an effort to make its destination Lakefront district more colorful.

1/5The town of Little Elm partnered with the local Signarama to wrap public utility boxes in an attempt to color the town.(Courtesy Photo/Signarama)

2/5The town of Little Elm partnered with the local Signarama to wrap public utility boxes in an attempt to color the town.(Courtesy Photo/Signarama)

3/5The town of Little Elm partnered with the local Signarama to wrap public utility boxes in an attempt to color the town.(Courtesy Photo/Signarama)

4/5The town of Little Elm partnered with the local Signarama to wrap public utility boxes in an attempt to color the town.(Courtesy Photo/Signarama)

5/5The town of Little Elm partnered with the local Signarama to wrap public utility boxes in an attempt to color the town.(Courtesy Photo/Signarama)

Erin Mudie, public information officer for Little Elm, said the utility box wraps are part of a larger public art program for the Lakefront district, which is the town’s main hub for recreational amenities, restaurants and retail shops.

In addition to the wraps, the city has also hired local artist Steve DeFoe to paint other utility boxes and controllers in the area. DeFoe also painted a large mural for the district.

“We wanted to distinguish this area from other parts of town, and we have done so with different building standards, street signs, and by adding art to the boxes,” Mudie said.

Signarama Frisco owner Stephanie Spies-Cunningham said similar projects have become more common among government entities, property managers and even new constructions.

“They’re wanting to take ordinary things, like public utility boxes or traffic control boxes, and make them look prettier,” Spies-Cunningham said. “Their purpose isn’t to advertise with them. They’re just like, ‘Hey, let’s make this look awesome’ because they want people to enjoy them.”