BOSTON—The removal of a massive mural created for an Art Deco building in downtown Boston has local art lovers voicing their disapproval and fearing for the piece’s safety.

The piece was created by Dean Cornwell in 1947 for New England Telephone and Telegraph. When the company, which is now Verizon, sold the building last year, new tenant Commonwealth Ventures decided to have the interior remodeled. Verizon removed the mural at Commonwealth's request, bringing in experts to ensure its safety and a specialist to take it down. It is now being held in storage.

Still, members of groups like the Art Deco Society of Boston say the mural shouldn't have been removed from the building, as it is a part of the history of art in the city and an unusual feature for a Boston building. Verizon says it hopes to donate the 160-foot-long piece, which depicts 197 telephone operators.

Read more at the Boston Globe.