BEDFORD — For all of the work going on at the Lawrence County Courthouse grounds, the large banner flying over the area is getting the most attention.
“I can’t tell you how much good feedback we’ve got on that,” Marla Jones said Tuesday, referring to the giant flagpole and United States flag, gifts of local businessman Steve Ferguson.
Jones was speaking before the Bedford City Council, providing an update on the various Stellar Communities projects. The program, a combination of grant funding, local tax money and private donations, is pumping some $19 million in investments into the downtown area.
The courthouse grounds project is proceeding well, Jones said. As reported earlier a companion project — renovating Harp Commons to the west of the courthouse — was delayed because crews found and had to repair damaged storm drains and sanitary sewers.
For all of that, Jones said the flag is creating the most conversation.
Making and raising the steel pole was a joint effort of several local companies and individuals, she said. And even the choice of paint was meaningful
The tint is Navy gray, “the color you would find on any Navy ship,” Jones said.
The color choice is a reference to the county’s namesake, Capt. James Lawrence, famous for saying, “Don’t give up the ship!” after being mortally wound ed during the war of 1812.
Jones said both the courthouse grounds and Harp Commons projects could extend into next spring. Asphalt plants will soon close for the winter, she said, so the paving could have to wait for warm weather to return.
Jones also provided a summary of progress on other Stellar projects.
As the Times-Mail reported last week, the city received two bids to move and renovate the structure. The Indiana Department of Transportation is reviewing the bids as part of the standard procedure. Construction is scheduled to start next year, with the actual move targeted for April. Renovations will continue unto 2017.
The downtown walking trail will eventually link with the Milwaukee Trail. Jones said the city expects to let bids in March. Construction is scheduled for 2016 and 2017.
Jones said the designs could be finalized next month. The project is to be coordinated with streetscape improvements, with the bids to be let in March and construction slated for 2016 and 2017.
Work is nearly completed on the 30-unit apartment complex for people age 62 and older. The project includes new construction as well as renovating the large red brick building at 16th and K streets. Jones said a ribbon cutting could be held next month.
Part of the original Stellar Communities proposal envisioned a building downtown to serve as something of a business incubator. The idea was to provide a location and support so small businesses could get started and running before setting out to find their own location — and face the subsequent expense. Since the original Stellar grant, the city has acquired the former Indiana Limestone Co. building at 405 I St. “Some of this kind of (business incubator) activity is happening right now up at the Indiana Limestone building,” said Mayor Shawna Girgis. With that in mind, Jones said the city is working with the state to re-purpose some of that money toward the façade project.
StoneGate Arts, Education & Cultural Center
Acquiring the Indiana Limestone Co. building has given the city two education centers, one in the Limestone facility and the other in the former J.C. Penney building at 15th and J streets. The plans still include renovating and re-purposing the former Penney building to house classes and cultural events. Jones said city leaders and consultants have met with representatives of Ivy Tech and Oakland City University to talk about the designs for the building.
Money is available to work with downtown building owners to renovate some facades. “It’s taking a little longer than we’d hoped” to come up with drawings and get the building owners’ approvals, Jones said. “It’s a process, and it’s not a quick process.” Construction is scheduled to begin in 2016.