Three murals stretching 70 feet across the walls of Pinckney Hill Commons now greet residents of the 51-unit affordable housing development in West Chester.

Downingtown artist Adrian Martinez led the project, which involved dozens of residents, including children who signed their names and left painted handprints on the walls. The two-year effort wrapped up with a community celebration where Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste pinned a Key to the Borough on Martinez, as the Daily Local first reported.

Martinez had expected the work to take a few weeks.

"It was two wonderful years of working with people," Martinez said, according to the Daily Local. "I couldn't have done it without them. I'd still be working."

He called it the best artistic experience of his life.

The three indoor murals depict Albert Einstein, actor Benicio Del Toro and Cynthia Erivo, the actress known for "Wicked." Each subject wears a flowing headdress. Erivo's headdress alone stretches 40 feet. Symbolic family trees appear throughout the murals.

Community member Regina Lewis, who jumpstarted the project, described the change the artwork has brought.

"When you come in here, you see that the residents love this building," Lewis told the Daily Local. "It's more warm and welcoming."

Church Housing Corp, the faith-based nonprofit that operates the development, celebrated the milestone alongside residents. Director Tracy Patches credited Martinez, organizers, sponsors, residents and staff for bringing the murals to life. She said the completed murals represent collaboration, creativity, diversity and unity.

Executive Director Kathryn Evans said the murals reflect the community that inspired them and tell a story that words alone cannot capture.

Martinez singled out resident Natasha Haywood for her photo documentation and advice throughout the project. He said her input improved the murals.

DeBaptiste also mentioned a separate new mural by artist Al Moretti at New Street, West Gay Street and Hannum Avenue. Pinckney Hill Commons sits adjacent to the Charles A. Melton Arts & Education Center at 500 E. Market St., according to Church Housing Corp.