"The Girl with the D Earring" mural being painted in downtown Detroit

A new mural has been started on a building that’s being developed in Detroit’s New Center area.

Real estate developer The Platform said Detroit artist Sydney G. James’ “The Girl with the D Earring” will adorn the western wall of the Chroma building in Milwaukee Junction.

The mural is expected to be completed by mid-September. It will portray a Detroit woman wearing a quilted garment featuring signage and logos of historic North End/Paradise Valley businesses. A glowing Old English “D” that will dangle from her ear is a symbol of Detroit and its residents.

“Sydney’s stunning mural is the perfect celebration of our city and its people,” said Peter Cummings, executive chair of The Platform.

The mural will replace another that has been on the building since 2009. Extensive repairs to the long-vacant building damaged the older mural.

The $16 million renovation of the 107-year-old storage building started in 2019. Work is expected to be completed in November.

The nine-story Chroma will offer office space and is planned as a hub for creativity, design and community engagement.