A project designed to add more vitality to downtown Washington is moving forward, but not very quickly.
An effort by the Daviess County Economic Development Corp. Foundation to put more life into the Main Street area has made some progress, but still has some distance to go. The project led to the re-opening of the Indiana Theater last fall, the demolition of a pair of buildings on E. Van Trees Street to open some parking and the purchase of the old Tin Lantern building to be turned into office space.
The next step on the downtown project includes the renovation of the building and getting the money set for that work has been moving slowly.
“The city is working with bond counsel and USDA on the funding for the project,” said Ron Arnold, executive director of the Daviess County Economic Development Foundation.
The foundation has dipped into its own funds from lease payments and other projects to try and get a jump start on the project. Some of the old siding has been removed and more work is coming on the facade and windows.
“We might try to get on the demolition work on the interior in preparation for the construction,” said Arnold.
The Foundation has several projects going on in the community, but the downtown project may be one of the most visible. Leaders believe the vibrancy and activity in the Main Street area can be a key toward drawing more business and industry to Washington. Getting the Tin Lantern building reoccupied was considered a key piece in getting the 400 block operating at full capacity.
“The Foundation board is trying to get the building ready,” said Arnold. “We’re hoping the funding goes through the way we have it planned. We’re working on the most cost effective way to handle it.”
The Foundation board is also looking at an additional funding arm that includes the placement of plaques along the walkway to the new building. The board is considering plaques that are a little different than the normal fundraising. “We are considering plaques that honor the everyday citizens of Washington,” said Arnold. “We have a lot of great folks in Washington who take care of their everyday lives. They understand what it means to be a good citizen or neighbor and go about it everyday. These are the people we are wanting to honor along the walkway.”
The Foundation is looking at the plaques along the Millennium Walkway to cost around $10,000. The board is hoping civic clubs and businesses will be willing to put up the funding for the plaques honoring the people of Washington. The nominations would still have to be approved by the Foundation board.
“We have already had four or five groups commit to taking part in this once we get it all settled,” said Arnold. “This is still in the formative stage. We’re also hoping to hear from the community on what they think the criteria should be. We’re open to suggestions on this. We just felt we had so many people who are really good citizens, and they are the ones that help make Washington such a great place.”