Revitalization efforts are transforming Main
September 12, 2024 at 12:46 p.m.
On Thursday, Sept. 5, U.S. Congresswoman Erin Houchin made a special visit to Brookville. During her visit, she took a tour with Main Street Brookville Director Christine Craig and Franklin County Tourism Director Bev Spurlin of Brookville’s Main Street to witness firsthand the positive impact of OCRA’s Main Street Revitalization Program (MSRP) awarded to Main Street Brookville, Inc. The program aims to assist Indiana’s rural residents in creating successful, sustainable communities and improve local quality of life.
“I felt proud of what has been accomplished with these seven buildings,” Craig said. “It felt good to be able to walk with her (Houchin) and show her the amazing transformations of these buildings and for her to be able to appreciate everything that is going into revitalizing our Main Street.”
The funding Main Street Brookville was awarded went towards facade restoration on some of Main Street’s most historic buildings. Over the last year, seven buildings have undergone a transformation, including Hilltop, 300 Main St.; Grove Street Apartments, 301 Main St., Looks by Leah, 320 Main St.; Knights of Columbus, 333 Main St; Poppers, 515 Main St.; Tebbe Liquors, 664 Main St. and KOI, 721 Main St.
“At a local, personal level, it has created a sense of pride and movement forward,” Craig said. “The realization that changes can be a good thing. From a visitor’s perspective, this is showcasing this lovely, vibrant town and the amazing historical buildings that we have. When Main Street looks loved and cared for, this creates an excitement that can continue to grow, and that will bring more businesses and visitors to Brookville. And that is what we all want.”
Many hidden treasures, such as the transom on the front of the old Popper’s building, were uncovered during the renovation. Windows that had been bricked over for years were revealed and replaced. Other buildings were refreshed with paint historically accurate to the period.
Although only a select few qualified to participate in the program, Craig Mobley believes it has been a catalyst for change on Main Street.
“We have already seen some great improvements on at least four buildings, and I know there are plans for more work on at least five more. Plus, there just seems to be a general sense of pride of place with folks working to make their store fronts more attractive and fun.”
According to Mobley, the project is roughly 85% complete.
“There are small details left to be finished on most of the buildings, with a few windows and doors waiting to be delivered. It’s hard to pin a date down due to outside sources and their shipping dates, but the project should be done by mid-November at the latest.”
In 2025, Craig believes Main Street’s momentum will only continue.
“I just feel so lucky to be able to be here and be part of this dynamic revitalization,” Craig said. “I truly can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring and what other projects we can all work on together!”
Latest News
E-Editions
Events
On Thursday, Sept. 5, U.S. Congresswoman Erin Houchin made a special visit to Brookville. During her visit, she took a tour with Main Street Brookville Director Christine Craig and Franklin County Tourism Director Bev Spurlin of Brookville’s Main Street to witness firsthand the positive impact of OCRA’s Main Street Revitalization Program (MSRP) awarded to Main Street Brookville, Inc. The program aims to assist Indiana’s rural residents in creating successful, sustainable communities and improve local quality of life.
“I felt proud of what has been accomplished with these seven buildings,” Craig said. “It felt good to be able to walk with her (Houchin) and show her the amazing transformations of these buildings and for her to be able to appreciate everything that is going into revitalizing our Main Street.”
The funding Main Street Brookville was awarded went towards facade restoration on some of Main Street’s most historic buildings. Over the last year, seven buildings have undergone a transformation, including Hilltop, 300 Main St.; Grove Street Apartments, 301 Main St., Looks by Leah, 320 Main St.; Knights of Columbus, 333 Main St; Poppers, 515 Main St.; Tebbe Liquors, 664 Main St. and KOI, 721 Main St.
“At a local, personal level, it has created a sense of pride and movement forward,” Craig said. “The realization that changes can be a good thing. From a visitor’s perspective, this is showcasing this lovely, vibrant town and the amazing historical buildings that we have. When Main Street looks loved and cared for, this creates an excitement that can continue to grow, and that will bring more businesses and visitors to Brookville. And that is what we all want.”
Many hidden treasures, such as the transom on the front of the old Popper’s building, were uncovered during the renovation. Windows that had been bricked over for years were revealed and replaced. Other buildings were refreshed with paint historically accurate to the period.
Although only a select few qualified to participate in the program, Craig Mobley believes it has been a catalyst for change on Main Street.
“We have already seen some great improvements on at least four buildings, and I know there are plans for more work on at least five more. Plus, there just seems to be a general sense of pride of place with folks working to make their store fronts more attractive and fun.”
According to Mobley, the project is roughly 85% complete.
“There are small details left to be finished on most of the buildings, with a few windows and doors waiting to be delivered. It’s hard to pin a date down due to outside sources and their shipping dates, but the project should be done by mid-November at the latest.”
In 2025, Craig believes Main Street’s momentum will only continue.
“I just feel so lucky to be able to be here and be part of this dynamic revitalization,” Craig said. “I truly can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring and what other projects we can all work on together!”