After a century in business, Crown Hill Hardware closed down in December with plans to sell the property. A couple days ago, the wrench mural was painted over — one of Crown Hill’s most recognizable landmarks at the corner of NW 80th St. and 15th Ave. NW.

“The wrench was cool, to me, for many years,” writes My Ballard reader Kurt, who sent us the photos. “Perhaps it did its job of keeping taggers at bay, who tend to not spray over existing art. I kind of hoped it would live on somehow. Wishful thinking in a neighborhood and city where everything old gets glossed over.”

No word on what’s coming to the corner next.

Update: One person in comments says, “Drove by while the guy started doing this. There already was graffiti on it. My guess is he was just trying to cover up graffiti and will hopefully continue to cover it up as now there is a blank canvas.”