New Washington Main Street project unveiled by Daviess County EDC

The D.C.E.D.C. has presented a plan to the Daviess County Council that includes the purchase of the former Tin Lantern and a couple of other buildings on Main Street. The Tin Lantern, which at one time was a flea market, has been vacant for quite some time. The plan now is to fill it with business and professional operations. 

"We're looking to establish a service business that can be around for a long time," said Ron Arnold with the Daviess County Economic Development Corp. "It is very tough on the retail side to make money these days. We're looking at a project that is a little more long term and will generate traffic downtown."

The plan is to revamp the Tin Lantern Building with the first floor to be used by the Daviess Community Hospital. "Even though the hospital recently remodeled there is not enough space there for them to do what they need to do," said Arnold. "I was told there was a need to move the rehab off their site and this would be an ideal location, especially with the way the property is laid out as far as location and what we are going to be able to do with the back of the property related to the parking that's going to be available."

Besides the hospital, the EDC is also working on a plan to convert the second floor into additional office space. "A local company is interested in 5,000 square feet of office space and it's a good solid company that's looking for space and it came along at the right time and we're negotiating that. It appears both the first and second floor would be completely leased out."

The parking area for both operations would be on the north side of the building where the E.D.C. has already demolished a couple of other old buildings. To make that area more accessible on the Main Street side the organization is purchasing another building that will be demolished and turned into a walkway connecting the Van Trees and Main Street areas. "Downtown parking is still an issue, especially in the evening," said Arnold. "If there are functions going on at the Eagles and the Knights of Columbus and the theater has a good movie showing parking is an issue, and with opening this up the lot on Van Trees will just be a half block away. With the employees for the businesses in the Tin Lantern building clearing it around five or six the lot will be a great fit for those people looking to go to the theater in the evening."

The E.D.C. is in the process of acquiring all of the property. The organization is in the process of acquiring the Tin Lantern and has options to acquire two other buildings that it will be executing in the next couple of months. Making the purchase though is just the beginning and that is why the plan has been presented to the Daviess County Council and will also go before the Washington City Council. "When you look at a project like this you have to look at funding and it has to make sense," said Arnold. "We want them to know what we are doing because we may need to come back and request EDIT Funds for the parking or walkway. It's all about leverage and putting those dollars into things that are going to help the area grow and increase the tax base."

Even though the project is going to cost money on the front side officials are convinced it will work. "Certified medical space is expensive to build out," said Arnold. "It is a lot of money, but with ten-year leases it makes a lot of sense. Any time you can get downtown space and get long-term agreements on it you need to get that done."

Adding the Tin Lantern project to the parking lot and the revamped theater is generating some excitement with the county council. "They did a wonderful job with the theater," said President of the County Council Jo Arthur. "Already that area looks better. The plans are very impressive looking. From what we were presented it is very interesting, very accessible with the parking in the back. It should make an improvement to the Main Street area. I think it will be a positive."

Not only does the county need to be on board for the project to succeed, but officials say the city will also need to be a partner. "Our next step should come within the next 30 days," said Arnold. "There are some funding opportunities we intend to present to the city. We're trying to get their support and we'll just have to see how that goes. Hopefully the city will support our efforts and the project."