Many years ago, we set out to save a building. The obvious solution was to tear it down. The years went by, and we had a catastrophe structural failure at the rear of the building. This didn’t help. As we tried to quantify the results of the amount of capital it would take and the return on investment, it was clear that this would not be a reliable investment. Students from the small-town studio demonstrated the value and usefulness of this sad Historic building located in the center of town. Given the demographics and a multitude of additional negative factors, this made this an ill-conceived project.
What if we could save the building as a demonstration of our resolve, and love for the community?
What if the building in return worked to help rebuild downtown Main Street by providing jobs, creating new enterprises, a place to gather and share food and invite visitors to visit?
The effects of a venture of this type go further than a simple cash flow business.
The Department of Commerce agreed and awarded us two grants. A heal grant and a CDBE grant thus making a serious investment in our town. They realize that our small towns are our future.
That is the beginning of the story … we are hoping for good things for Eureka!
Larry Coleman
–
THIS PROJECT
WAS MADE POSSIBLE
BY EXTRORDINARY SUPPORT
FROM THE KANSAS COMMERCE DEPARTMENT,
THE OFFICE OF RURAL PROSPERTY
AND THE CITY OF EUREKA KANSAS.
