VENUS LIVES: Building owner Michael Sher stands in front of “The Death of Venus,” a mural that is allowed to remain in place after a battle with the city’s Historical Commission. Photo: Timothy Cwiek

A transgender- themed mural under threat of destruction by city officials for the last six years has been given a new lease on life, thanks to this week’s unanimous decision by a city appeals board.

In a 4-0 ruling, the Licenses and Inspections Review Board stated that transgender artist Dee Chhin’s mural, “The Death of Venus,” may remain on the exterior wall of a Center City apartment building.

“I’m so relieved and happy,” said Chhin, 36. “It’s been a nightmare for these past six years — all they put me through. It’s my baby and they wanted to kill it. But at last I can see an end to the trauma.”

In 2001, Chhin painted the mural — inspired by her transgender experience and her life as a Cambodian émigré — on the north wall of a building at 410 S. 15th St.

But the following year, the city’s Historical Commission became involved in the matter when it granted a temporary permit for the mural. When the permit expired in January 2007, the commission, in a split vote, declined to extend the permit.

Randal Baron, a preservation officer for the city’s Historical Commission, testified at the Aug. 14 hearing that the mural didn’t conform to the historical nature of the building, nor the neighborhood.

He said the exterior wall should retain the character of the 1800s, but supporters of the mural said the wall was stuccoed in the 1950s and shouldn’t necessarily represent the Victorian period.

After the hearing, Leonard Reuter, a city attorney, said he couldn’t rule out the possibility that the city Historical Commission would appeal the L&I review board’s decision in Common Pleas Court.

But sources in City Hall told PGN an appeal would be unlikely.

When announcing their votes, board members Julia M. Chinn, R. Thurston Hyman, Anthony P. Rabutino and Carol B. Tinari smiled in the direction of Chhin, who was waiting anxiously for their decision.

About 20 people attended the hearing.

Elizabeth Campion, a real-estate broker associate, said the mural has been well received by the community.

“The mural has converted a back alley from a public urinal, short-dumping spot and open-air market for the sale of sex and drugs to a place that is vibrant,” Campion told the review board. “Today, this back alley is a destination. It embraces diversity and honors the vision of a minority artist. As art, it should be protected.”

After the board’s decision was announced, Campion expressed relief. “I’m delighted the city has come to its senses,” she said. “Government shouldn’t be in the business of stifling minority artists.”

Transgender activist Kathy Padilla, 50, of Mt. Airy, also attended the hearing.

“I do believe there was anti-trans motivation fueling the dispute,” Padilla said. “This is the first and only transgender-themed mural in the country. That in itself makes it a piece of history. I’m appalled that some members of the Historical Commission didn’t recognize that.”

Michael A. Sher, who commissioned the mural, said he was “pleasantly surprised” by the ruling. “Dee made history by painting the mural,” Sher noted after the hearing.

Timothy Cwiek can be reached at (215) 625-8501 ext. 208.