DETROIT -- A painting of an endangered whale in downtown Detroit once again faces extinction.

The 108-foot-high painting of humpback whales, known as Wyland's Whaling Wall, has been displayed on the side of the Broderick Building since 1997, Local 4 reported. Artist Robert Wyland, a native of Madison Heights, painted the mural to draw attention to the endangered whale. The artist is famous for his murals all over the world.

The painting on the side of the Broderick Building will soon be covered by advertisements by U.S. Outdoor, despite unsuccessful efforts by the group for a General Motors advertisement last November. GM said that public response to the plan prompted its decision to cancel their plans the advertising group.

Detroit's Historic District Commission has voted to allow U.S. Outdoor to solicit new advertisements. The next plan is for Reebok to place an advertisement of a baseball player in conjunction with the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which will be held at Comerica Park in July, Local 4 reported.

The advertisement will not be permanent. It will be draped over the mural for about 2 years, and new advertisements will continue to circulate, Local 4 reported. The mural cannot be painted over by law, according to the station's reports.

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YOUR TURN: Should Advertisements Be Allowed Over Mural?

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Developers plan to use the money earned from the advertisements for a renovation of the Broderick Building with apartments and condominiums.

Wyland's assistant, Steve Creech, said they are surprised by plans for Reebok to advertise over the mural.

"Wyland is appalled by the decision, just like everybody else associated with this mural," said Creech.

Creech said that while the money may be put to good use, he believes it is a dangerous move to the preservation of public art.

Architect Douglas McIntosh said he sees the mural as an advertisement for the artist, and not public art.

"It's a message. He is selling this the way he would market any other piece," said McIntosh.

The city's downtown development authority opposed the decision, saying the advertisements will be an eyesore.

Peter Zeiler of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp. said there will be no control over the wall and compared the "continually changing advertisement" to Times Square in New York.

The Historic District Commission has three days to reconsider their vote, Local 4 reported Wednesday.