Development of a landscaping plan for the Lone Star Plaza and downtown was discussed last week during a meeting of Downtown Houston Inc., a group spearheading projects to better the downtown area.
A landscaper is expected to develop a plan that outlines a plan of action for the work. Members also discussed purchase of new trash containers and planters for the downtown, where sidewalk work is under way, work continues on the Lone Star Plaza and installation of new lighting and construction of a storm shelter has begun.
In other matters, members:
-Discussed placement of a time capsule on the plaza, the status of engraved brick for the area and learned that five wrought iron benches have been recently purchased and one more is needed to complete an order. The cost is $700 for a plain one or $1,000 for one that has a design in the seat’s back. Eighteen have already been completed for the downtown.
Benches completed and those purchasing them: a plain bench, Downtown Houston Inc., redbud and coon hunting, Pat and Marvin Colyer; leaping trout, Charles and Ann-Marie Mueller; quail, giggers, aster, oak leaves and acorn and dogwood, Richardson Family Dentistry; Houston Herald, Brad Gentry; Blankenship Drug, Forbes’ Pharmacy; river and canoeing, Brad and Becky Eidson; Lone Star Mill and Lone Star logo, Houston Wal-Mart; wild turkey, Texas County Memorial Hospital; education, Progressive Ozark Bank; purple cone flower, Dr. Thomas and Nancy Stubbs; and tree, McKinney Forge.
-Heard about plans for a community foundation.
-Discussed work to wrap up the organization’s Neighborhood Assistance Program, a state tax credit program that allows donors to earn 70 cents of state tax credit for each dollar contributed. It is also deductible on federal returns. The deadline to contribute is June 30.
Several Projects
Planned Locally
Houston has several projects on its plate, including:
*A Federal Emergency Management grant that will create the community’s first storm shelter. The $572,000 project is in the final design stage. Ultimately, an upper level will be added which will be the new home of the Texas County Library. A foundation is working to fund the library.
*A $360,000 Community Development Block Grant through the downtown revitalization program will result in new light fixtures and lamps, as well as sidewalk work and landscaping downtown. Street improvements also are planned.
*A Federal Emergency Management grant totaling about $200,000 will allow for the demolition of housing along a flood-prone creek and the extension of nearby Emmett Kelly Park.
*Construction of the Lone Star Plaza, the site of a devastating fire in the late 1990s, is under way through private donations sparked primarily through the Neighborhood Assistance Program. Some tax credits are still available. The area will include walkways, lighting that matches the downtown facade, green space and landscaping. About 1,300 engraved bricks also have been sold for the project. Other phases will include buildings on the plaza that include public restrooms, concession and office space. A stage also is planned for downtown events.
*A Missouri Department of Conservation grant paid for landscaping at the Houston Industrial Park.
*A Missouri Department of Transportation grant will create the Village Trail, six miles circling the city established for biking and walking. Health-related organizations are partnering on the event. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will fund another stretch along historic Brushy Creek. Private donations also will finance some of the work.
*About $410,000 was received by the city for housing rehabilitation in August 2002. The money is part of a master plan to rehabilitate an area in and around the downtown business district. Property owners who agreed to participate are able to tap the fund for a portion of the cost.
*Another $100,000 award is earmarked for a bus barn. Currently, the bus is situated in a fire station on First Street.
The city earlier completed the Community Assessment Program through the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
Follow the progress:
Donations Received
For Downtown Work
Efforts for improvements to Houston’s downtown business district – along with creation of a welcome center – are progressing, members of Downtown Houston Inc. heard last week.
The group was recently awarded $331,000 in state tax credits under the Neighborhood Assistance Program. The organization has already received more than $47,000 in cash donations under the program that gives donors a hefty write off on their state tax obligation, and the amount can also be included as a federal deduction, too. Sharon Tyger has been hired by the group to coordinate the program.
Tyger and Treasurer Sabrina Forbes attended a meeting recently in Jefferson City to learn more about marketing the tax credits.
Tyger said last week that eligible contributors can receive a tax break and allow their tax dollars to work at home. She noted that persons need to think about their 2003 tax obligations and make their contributions before the end of the year to receive credit.
A new donation came late last week from First National Bank, which contributed $10,000. The group also has received several pledges of in-kind assistance on the projects, as well.
The group last week paid $15,000 on a $30,000 note related to the acquisition of the half city block that will be transformed into the plaza. The Forbes family – which has been in business for three generations in downtown Houston – said it supported the group’s efforts and would be donating the funds back to the organization.
“We really appreciate the commitment that the Forbes family has made,” said Kathy Richardson, vice president of the organization.
Donations to the program will go toward completion of a downtown area that will be known as Lone Star Plaza, as well as the creation of a welcome center in the former Haney Market situated near U.S. 63.
In other matters, members:
-Learned that a $15,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Conservation has been filed for creation of wildflower gardens at the welcome center.
-Heard that an appraisal is due soon for property in and around the Haney Market.
-Learned that development director Elaine Campbell will soon finalize the group’s $300,000 Downtown Revitalization grant with the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
-Reviewed a floor space plan for the Haney Market. Members recently toured the facility.
-Authorized a contract with McKinney Forge and Design Studios for creation of wrought iron benches as part of the downtown revitalization master plan.
Group Seeks Grant
For Wildflower Garden
November 2003
A local organization has applied for a Missouri Department of Conservation Lewis and Clark Conservation Grant that will be used for development efforts around a proposed visitors center in Houston.
If approved, the $15,000 grant would be used to create a native Missouri wildlflower garden. The Houston Native Wildflower Garden in designed to connect the Lewis and Clark record of native flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs and flora to Houston. By late 2005, the City of Houston and Downtown Houston Inc. plan to open the visitors center and the wildflower gardens to coincide with the bicentennial date that Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Ocean.
Showcased in the gardens will be the Aster Oblongifolius commonly known as Aster – from the Lewis and Clark collection.
The property involved is the former Haney Market and surrounding areas along Brushy Creek. The group recently receiving approval through the Neighborhood Assistance Pro-gram for state tax credits totaling $331,000 for the visitors center and Lone Star Plaza downtown. Contributors receive a 70 percent state tax credit and can write off the donation on federal tax returns. Those who qualify can actually make money on a contribution if their federal tax bracket exceeds 30 percent. Downtown Houston Inc. has hired Sharon Tyger as a coordinator of the Neighborhood Assistance Program.
Elaine Campbell, development director for the group and the City of Houston, wrote the garden grant. It is hoped that the project will help educate people about the environ-ment, protect and preserve native Missouri wildflowers and welcome visitors to Houston. A traveling ex-hibit commemorating the Lewis and Clark travels also will be sought for when the center opens.
A walking trail – along with additional – parking also is planned for the Brushy Creek area.
“We’re really excited about the addition of this project to the al-ready announced projects,” said Campbell, who is employed by the city to work on grant projects and has obtained several for the down-town group and the city.
Members of the Downtown Houston’s board are: Brad Gentry, president; Kathy Richardson, vice president; Vera Gladden, secretary; and Sabrina Forbes, treasurer.
October 2003
Members of Downtown Houston Inc. heard Thursday that brick purchases for Lone Star Plaza are coming in at a fast pace since a deadline has been established.
About 500 orders for the engraved bricks that will be used on the plaza have been received. The cutoff date is in April. The plaza will include a stage, bathrooms and open space for community gatherings and events.
The matter was among topics discussed at last week’s meeting. Members gathered first at the former Haney Market to begin making plans on how the property could be used. The organization recently received $331,000 in state tax credits to complete the plaza and the welcome center project which is near Oak Hill Drive and U.S. 63. The group is awaiting an appraisal report to finalize purchase of the property.
The group also announced that it has hired Sharon Tyger to oversee selling of the state tax credits, which are now available. A donor giving $100 is able to receive a state tax credit of $70 and write the full amount off on their federal tax return. That means if they are in the 28 percent federal tax bracket, the out-of-pocket expense to the donor is $2 on the original $100 investment in the community.
The group also is in line to receive a $300,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant for work downtown. Officials are set to meet with the state to finalize engineering requirements before the money is released.
The City of Houston expects to know next month whether a federal grant that would allow for the purchase of some flood-prone properties along Brushy Creek will be received. Those funds would be used to extend Emmett Kelly Park to the north.
Members of Downtown Houston Inc. also outlined the group’s plans during last week’s noon chamber luncheon.
August 2003
Members of Downtown Houston Inc. received an update last week on numerous projects under way by the organization.
The group – dedicated to downtown revitalization – approved plans to seek bids for engineering services for work downtown and for the creation of Lone Star Plaza. The proposals will be opened later this month. Development of specifications will trigger the use of a $300,000 downtown revitalization grant.
Members also authorized seeking appraisal services for property known as the former Haney Grocery Store and tracts that currently house Houston Redi-Mix near Oak Hill Drive. The organization was recently awarded more than $331,000 in state tax credits for the plaza and turning the Haney location into a welcome center. A local delegation traveled to Jefferson City last week to learn how to administer the tax credits. Donations are now being accepted. The organization’s treasurer is Sabrina Forbes.
Under the program, donors receive 70 percent tax credit from the state. Additionally, the donation is deductible on federal returns. A $1,000 donation translates into a savings of $980 for those in the 28 percent federal tax bracket. A meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Houston Herald meeting room to work on the tax credit project.
A deadline has been set for a fund-raiser involving engraved bricks that will be used in the downtown plaza. The cut off date is April 15. The last day to make a donation to the effort for 2003 tax purposes in Dec. 31. Completion is slated for next summer.
Those attending heard that the group had $20,630 in the bank after paying for new banners that grace Grand Avenue and South Sam Houston Blvd., among several locations. Local merchants paid the bulk of the $3,856 in cost. Downtown Houston donated more than $200 toward the project, Forbes reported.
July 2003
Plans for Lone Star Plaza in downtown Houston and creation of a Houston Welcome Center near U.S. 63 received a big boost with the announcement this week that a local organization has received state tax credits for the project.
Gov. Bob Holden said $331,450 in Neighborhood Assistance Program state tax credits will be awarded to Downtown Houston, Inc. for development of the projects. The designation, one of the biggest in the state announced by Holden, will allow donors to the project to reap big benefits: A contributor who gives a $1,000 will be able to apply $700 to their state tax obligation, while writing off the contribution on their federal return as well. For a person in the 28 percent tax bracket, that translates into another $280. All the while, the contributor gets the benefit of having the money stay in the community.
“The Neighorhood Assistance Program provides an incentive for businesses to get involved in the betterment of Missouri communities that results in a ‘win-win’ situation,” said Joe Driskill, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “We understand the value and importance of this incentive, and we are pleased to be able to award NAP tax credits at a level similar to what has been awarded in the past.” The program was not cut as part of the state’s budget crunch.
The announcement is good news for Downtown Houston Inc. and the City of Houston, which worked on the application to the state. The project is part of a master plan to make improvements in and around the downtown business district.
“The quality of life in our communities plays a huge role in successful economic development efforts,” said Gov. Bob Holden in announcing Houston’s successful application.
Downtown Houston Inc. last year purchased a lot where property was destroyed by fire several years ago. It was cleaned up and grass sown. A Springfield architectural firm hired by Downtown Houston put together a plan that includes creation of Lone Star Plaza on the lot, new lighting, sidewalks, landscaping and other improvements downtown.
The plaza will also included restrooms that will be open during public functions downtown, as well as pavilion that can be used for community functions and the farmers market.
The group also has an option to purchase property near Oak Hill Drive and Walnut Street from Mike and Sandra Manier to be used as welcome center and offices for its development director, Elaine Campbell.
The organization is awaiting word whether an application from Rural Development Inc. will be approved that would pay for development of contractor specifications for the downtown plaza work. That would allow another $300,000 to be released under the Community Development Block Grant downtown revitalization program.
The group also earlier launched a campaign to sell engraved bricks for use in the plaza area. Through that effort, about another $20,000 has been generated. The City of Houston received about $400,000 in funds last year for revitalization or demolition of some properties in and around the downtown business district. That program is under way.
“There is a lot of work to get done now,” said Brad Gentry, president of Downtown Houston, Inc., who along with Campbell worked on the application. “We’ve had a lot of people tell us that the tax credits would interest them. We will begin a campaign to start offering the credits soon.”
Other members of the Downtown Houston Inc. board are: Kathy Richardson, vice president; Vera Gladden, secretary; and Sabrina Forbes, treasurer.
Some advance work in anticipation of a favorable decision by the state already has been completed, including a computerized accounting system to help track the group’s finances.
Businesses or self-employed persons can donate cash, materials, supplies or equipment, technical assistance and professional services, labor, real estate or stock and bonds to receive the tax credits.
Other communities in the region that were granted tax credits under program: Cabool Revitalization Group Inc., $100,000; Van Buren Youth and Community Center, Van Buren, $149,500; and Oakwood Life-Sharing Services Inc., West Plains, $49,844.
May 2003
Members of Downtown Houston Inc. heard reports on several projects during a meeting Thursday.
The group is working on the development of Lone Star Plaza at Grand Avenue and Pine Street and has advanced in competition for state tax credits targeting the plaza and creation of a welcome center at the former Haney Market property near Highway F and U.S. 63.
The sale of engraved brick for placement at the plaza continues. Treasurer Sabrina Forbes reported the group has about $22,000 in its checkbook, which was raised through several efforts, including the sale of the brick. A membership drive recently concluded with more than 80 individuals and members sending money.
Members authorized advertising for qualifications from engineering firms. The selected company will development specifications for downtown revitalization work and the plaza. The property was recently seeded by city workers. The group hopes to receive a Rural Development grant to pay for the engineering work. The organization also is in line for a $300,000 grant to perform the first stage of the work.
The group also heard from Sharon Tyger, manager of Opportunity Sheltered Industries, which earlier received Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits. Downtown Houston Inc. recently learned that it had advanced in competition to receive tax credits under the program. Under the program, donors are able to make donations locally and receive credits toward their state tax obligation.
Additionally, the donation can be written off their federal taxes. Some taxpayers can make donations and have very little expense when considering their federal and state tax credits. She said an added bonus is the money stays in the local community, and the taxpayers knows how the money is being spent.
Downtown Houston Inc. will develop a plan of action in anticipation of receiving the state tax credits.
In other matters, members:
-Learned that a program to place Houston banners on U.S. 63 and downtown Houston light poles is complete. The banners should go up beginning next month.
-Heard from Brenda Senter, chamber director, about several proposed promotions for the downtown and members expressed a willingness to assist on any effort that would help retailers in the community.
March 2003 meeting
Members of the Downtown Houston Inc. heard a progress report last week on several projects under way.
The group is awaiting word on several grants. They include:
·It will learn the fate of a state tax credit application by July 1 that would help fund Lone Star Plaza at Grand Avenue and Pine Street and creation of a welcome center at Highway F and U.S. 63. Funding for the first phase of a walking trail at Emmett Kelly Park , Brushy Creek and on to the Houston Schools’ campus also is being sought.
·Hopes to hear soon on the status of a Rural Development application for a needed engineering report that when completed, will trigger at a $300,000 grant for downtown revitalization work.
Members also discussed progress in the City of Houston’s housing rehabilitation and demolition project. A $400,000 grant was received earlier.
In other matters, members:
-Heard Treasurer Sabrina Forbes report that the group had about $19,000 raised through last week. She also discussed completion of a project to computerize all of the organization’s financial records.
-Learned that a membership drive is under way and 48 of the group’s 72 members already had renewed. The cost is $15 for individuals and $25 for businesses.
-Heard a progress report on the group’s sale of engraved bricks for the downtown plaza project. About 300 bricks have already been sold.
-Discussed manning a booth at the Emmett Kelly Clown Festival and a project to create historical postcards for sale.
-Heard from Kathy Richardson, who is working with the city, on a project to place banners on light poles on the highway and through the downtown.
-Learned that plans are under way to create a downtown marketing organization to work on business promotion. Joy Hinkle is leading the effort.
February meeting
Members of Downtown Houston Inc. gathered last week to receive an update on several projects and grant applications pending.
The downtown revitalization group heard that several different funding sources are being tapped for improvements in and near the downtown business district.
They include:
-An application for state tax credits for the downtown plaza and a welcome center at U.S. 63 and Highway F was recently completed and sent to Jefferson City. If successful, persons would be able to donate to the projects and receive a state tax credit. Currently, a federal deduction for donations is available.
-An appropriation of $100,000 included in the federal budget that begins Oct. 1 will allow for the acquisition of property related to the city’s transportation system. The money also will aid in the cleanup of an area near Oak Hill Drive and Highway F, where the welcome center is proposed in the former Haney Market location. U.S. Sen. Kit Bond and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson assisted in obtaining the funds.
-The group learned that Elaine Campbell, development director, is finalizing requested changes on a walking trail grant. The trail – in phase one – includes Emmett Kelly Park, along Brushy Creek, through the downtown to the school.
-Members heard that grant funding for a sign at U.S. 63 and Grand Avenue has been put on hold. The Missouri Arts Council is not accepting new applications due to the state budget crisis.
-The group also heard that one final engineering report is pending for the release of about $300,000 for downtown revitalization work. Efforts are under way on housing rehabilitation in and around the downtown through a$400,000 grant obtained by the city.
Members also pledged their support for banners that will be placed on South Sam Houston Blvd., Grand Avenue and Wal-Mart Supercenter light poles. It is hoped that as light poles are placed on North U.S. 63 that banners can also be included there. The city’s economic development director, Ron Reed, asked for help in completing the project. About $2,300 is needed to place about 65 banners. Several business owners pledged their support at the meeting.
Members also heard a treasurer’s report that showed about $14,000 in the group’s checkbook. A portion of that came from the group’s sale of engraved bricks for the project. Membership renewal statements will soon be sent, it was announced.
Tax Credits
Sought for Projects
An application for state tax credits for two Houston projects was submitted this week to the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
If approved, donors would receive credits for donations toward the two projects undertaken by Downtown Houston Inc. and the City of Houston. The efforts include completion of Lone Star Plaza at Grand Avenue and Pine Street, where cleanup was recently completed. The plaza will honor the town’s heritage, which includes the Lone Star Mill, where Houston’s first electricity was produced, and the town’s namesake, which has roots to the Lone Star State, Texas.
Engraved bricks will form the court area, much-needed public restrooms will be provided for the downtown and a covered pavilion will provide shelter. The area also will be used for community activities. Attractive posts and wrought-iron fencing, lighting and benches will be a part of the design. Engraved bricks are on sale for the project.
The other priority is turning a 75-year old former grocery store at Highway F [Walnut Street] and U.S. 63 into a visitors’ center.
The structure was built in 1937 and once housed Haney’s Market and was home to one of the first gas stations near U.S. 63. The building is structurally sound and is currently used by a local firm for storage. The area also will serve as the trailhead for a proposed recreational trail that travels through Emmett Kelly Park, the downtown and on to the school. A grant application was filed earlier for that project.
Elaine Campbell, development director for the organizations, wrote the applications with input from the city and Downtown Houston Inc.
Update on Brick Project
October meeting: Downtown Houston Inc. members heard last week that the launch of a fund-raiser has generated much interest.
The organization recently began a project to sell engraved bricks that will be used in conjunction with a plaza area at Pine Street and Grand Avenue. Persons can buy a brick or bricks and have two lines of type engraved for use in the project.
Much of the meeting was devoted to the project and discussion on how to process the paperwork. A Houston business, Wolford Monument, is engraving the bricks. Sales last Wednesday stood at about $2,865. However, the tally has nearly doubled in the last few days.
In other matters, members:
-Heard of progress in securing funds for a sign that will be constructed at U.S. 63 and Grand Avenue.
-Worked on a mailing list of out-of-town business owners who hold financial stakes in the community.
The group’s next regular meeting is 5:30 p.m. Nov. 27.
Engraved Brick
Project Launched
A fund-raiser to generate much-needed money for downtown Houston revitalization kicked off this week. Downtown Houston Inc., the group organizing the effort, announced a drive to sell engraved bricks for Lone Star Plaza, the site of a disastrous blaze that wiped out half of a city block in April 1999.
The bricks also will be used for other improvements downtown. Design and construction specifications are being finalized under a $300,000 grant expected to be received by the organization. The money is separate from a $400,000 grant earmarked for housing rehabilitation near the downtown business district. A separate grant application, totaling about $182,300, would create a walking trail through Emmett Kelly Park, Brushy Creek, to the Houston Schools and through downtown as part of an overall master plan developed by a Springfield architectural firm.
Lone Star Plaza, the name recently chosen by the group, has historical ties to Houston. Lone Star Mill served as an economic driver for the community and was the site of Houston’s first electrical generation plant. Additionally, Houston and Texas County take their names from the Lone Star state, Texas.
Downtown Houston Inc. and the City of Houston recently acquired the downtown property. The City of Houston will clear the site once the state gives the go-ahead.
A star design of metal and brick will be placed at the Grand Avenue and Pine Street intersection as part of the plaza and downtown project.
Plans call for several features, including a brick patio area, where the bricks will be used, grass, landscaping and eventually public restrooms and a pavilion.
Community events will be held there. New lighting, benches and other improvements are planned.
Information about the brick project is available at several locations in the community: TCMH gift shop, Houston Wal-Mart, Houston Herald, The Bank of Houston, First National Bank, Progressive Ozark Bank, Houston City Hall, Forbes Pharmacy, Houston Florist and Gifts, D & L Florist, Evans Funeral Home and community events.
The cost for each engraved brick – two lines will be engraved – is $30. A logo may be added for an additional $10. Samples are also at each business location. Persons will also be given a certificate recognizing their participation in the downtown project. A form appears elsewhere today in an ad in today’s newspaper.
A Houston business, Wolford Monument, is engraving the bricks.
Officers of the Downtown Houston group that have worked over the last few years to bring the improvements are: Brad Gentry, president; Kathy Richardson, vice president; Vera Gladden, secretary; and Sabrina Forbes, treasurer. Charlie and Marian McKinney of Houston also have been instrumental in the project. Elaine Campbell wrote the grants for the effort, and the City of Houston has been active in the project. Order form
August meeting: Design specifications for downtown Houston improvements were discussed last week during a meeting of Downtown Houston Inc.
The work is in conjunction with a $300,000 grant that the group expects to receive for downtown revitalization. Phase one planned work includes: sidewalk improvements, cleaning up a recently acquired lot at Pine Street and Grand Avenue, new street lights, crosswalk and street improvements in a section of the downtown.
The group also discussed a fund-raiser to sell engraved bricks for creation of a plaza area at Pine Street and Grand Avenue. Persons will be able to purchase the bricks and have a name or message engraved. The organization plans to launch the effort in the next few weeks.
The group also discussed signs that will be placed along U.S. 63 directing motorists to the downtown business district. A meeting was held yesterday [Wednesday] to finalize the sign design, which includes native rock and iron.
Aug. 13, 2002 issue: Letters soliciting pledges as part of a recreational trails program grant application by the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Board were distributed this week.
It is the goal to develop and maintain a recreational, walking, hiking, jogging, exercise and bicycling trail that would allow more public use of outdoor recreation as it loops through and around the city. The letters were sent to businesses and downtown Houston supporters. They are also available at Houston City Hall.
The proposed project will provide a lighted, safe trail for use by seniors, youth, handicapped, exercise programs and bicycling commuters.
·The project would provide trails in and by Emmett Kelly Park, Brushy Creek, Houston Schools Outdoor Classroom, West Side Park, the Houston Municipal Airport, Houston Industrial Park, the Downtown Historic District and the new shopping areas at the south of the city.
·Sections of the trail will have wheelchair access. It is the goal of the project to provide integrated and accessible outdoor recreation and facilities that are equal but not separate.
·The project will work hand-in-hand with a Houston Downtown Inc. revitalization project that accentuates the historic buildings in the City of Houston.
·Trails through residential areas will include designated bicycle lanes that lead to Houston Schools and to the Houston Industrial Park.
The project is expected to be built in phases. The initial one is estimated to cost up to $50,000. Under a grant that will be submitted later this month, the only local cost would be about 20 percent – much could be matched through cash and in-kind donations.
Pledges are sought for the effort. They must be submitted to city hall by Aug. 20. The grant application is due Aug. 23.
The project was one of several highlighted at a breakfast Wednesday at Houston City Hall. About 30 attended the meeting.
July meeting:
The City of Houston and Downtown Houston Inc. will host a breakfast at city hall at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 7 to highlight the latest grant application targeted for downtown revitalization.
Invitations went out last week to merchants and members of the city council to attend the meeting. Development Director Elaine Campbell said an explanation of the state grant and what is required of merchants will be discussed. The $300,000 grant will be submitted to the state soon. Another grant – this one for $500,000 and rehabilitation of housing near the downtown – was submitted earlier. Successful applicants are expected to be notified by Gov. Bob Holden any day.
The grants are among several that Campbell, the city and the downtown group are pursuing. Another one would fund a walking trail in the community that would pass through the downtown.
Downtown Houston Inc. recently acquired property owned by the Forbes family at the corner of Pine Street and Grand Avenue that was destroyed by fire in April 1999. Downtown Houston Inc. paid $30,000.
The city owns the corner once occupied by The Bank of Houston. It paid $1,700 to Forbes family, and pursued the balance owned by Steve and Yvonne Cope in a condemnation action in Texas County Circuit Court. Court-appointed commissioners appraised the latter portion at $2,000.
Downtown Houston Inc. recently filed paperwork with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to remove tanks at the northeast corner of the tract. The procedure, required by state law, was discussed during a Downtown Houston Inc. meeting last week.
In other matters at last week’s Downtown Houston meeting, members:
-Received an update on grant applications.
-Learned that the city had committed to cleaning up its recently acquired property. The city’s in-kind contribution will be used for the required match for a grant.
-Learned that two billboards promoting the downtown will soon be erected south of Licking and north of Cabool. The Missouri Department of Transportation will also erect signs at Main Street and Grand Avenue that direct motorists on U.S. 63 to the downtown business district.
June meeting:
Cleanup work will begin soon in downtown Houston after a half city block was destroyed in a fire about three years ago.
Following a court action last week, the City of Houston is the owner of the former Bank of Houston property at the corner of Pine Street and Grand Avenue. Downtown Houston Inc., a downtown revitalization group, is acquiring the rest of the block.
Commissioners appointed in Texas County Circuit Court last week determined that the half-interest in the bank property was worth $2,000. The City of Houston paid that to the court clerk and took possession of the property. The city began condemnation of the property after it was unable to reach an agreement with property owners Steve and Yvonne Cope. The Forbes family, which owned the other half interest in the former bank property, earlier received $1,700 from the city.
Downtown Houston Inc. had offered the Copes $3,400 for the tract, but was unable to reach an agreement. That was twice the appraisal determined by a Springfield firm more than a year ago. In order to proceed with cleanup, the group turned to the city to begin condemnation.
Under agreements reached between the parties, the City of Houston will begin cleanup of the former bank property. Downtown Houston Inc. will proceed with removing tanks located at the northeast edge of the tract. After any environmental issues are completed concerning the tanks, the City of Houston will clean up the balance of the property.
The city’s participation in the cleanup could end up to be a good deal for taxpayers. The in-kind work is expected to be used to tap a $300,000 downtown revitalization grant sought by Downtown Houston Inc.
Representatives of the state were in Houston on Tuesday to do an onsite review for another grant that targets rehabilitation of housing near the downtown business district. That grant totals $500,000.
Elaine Campbell, the development director for the project, wrote those grants.
The grant work is part of an overall plan to spruce up the downtown. Earlier, a Springfield firm hired by Downtown Houston Inc. completed a master plan that calls for new signage marking entrances to the downtown, new sidewalks, street work, new lighting and landscaping, among other things. As part of the plan, development of the lot, with a park-like décor, is included. A walking trail through the Emmett Kelly Park and parts of the community also are planned.
“We are pleased that work will finally proceed to cleanup the property and to develop it. It has certainly been a long process,” said Brad Gentry, who is president of the downtown group. “We appreciate the support that the City of Houston has given to move this project forward. Officials with the city and their employees have really helped us.” Hired originally by Downtown Houston Inc., Campbell’s salary is now paid by the city.
At a meeting last week, Downtown Houston Inc. and the City of Houston decided to hear soon from a representative of the state concerning state historical preservation tax credits that could be used toward sprucing up some downtown buildings. City Administrator Bill Bates recently attended a downtown conference in Jefferson City, and discussed his findings with the group. Other officers of Downtown Houston Inc. are Kathy Richardson, vice president; Sabrina Forbes, treasurer; and Vera Gladden, secretary. Artisans Charlie and Marian McKinney also have assisted with the project.
At the meeting, the group also endorsed a city plan to develop Houston billboards just south of the Licking city limits and north of Cabool. It also congratulated organizers of a recent successful downtown flea market and farmers market.
Houston’s downtown received a devastating blow in April 1999 when an early-morning blaze destroyed businesses bounded by First Street, Grand Avenue and Pine Street.
The fire, which started in a video store, was believed electrical in nature.
Among locations destroyed was the town’s chamber of commerce office, a laundry, the video store and a restaurant.
May meeting:
Grants for improvements in and around Houston’s downtown are making headway, reports Elaine Campbell, development director for the City of Houston and Downtown Houston Inc.
A $500,000 grant application that would allow for housing rehabilitation and demolition of some structures was submitted May 15. Campbell will attend a June 17-18 workshop on administrative training. No word on the grant has been received yet.
A grant to support downtown revitalization efforts – totaling $300,000 – is to be formally presented by July 15. The state earlier reviewed a draft, and the city says it is encouraged by the response from officials who administer the program.
Campbell also is working on grants that would be used on a proposed walking trail as part of the overall downtown master plan. Those are due Aug. 23.
April meeting:
Members of Downtown Houston Inc. received an update on two grant applications for downtown improvements and the cleanup of a downtown lot during a meeting last week.
The grants include one for downtown revitalization and another for housing rehabilitation. Development director Elaine Campbell was in Jefferson City on Friday finalizing applications for each grant.
The group also met with an organizer of a planned downtown farmers market. Plans were also highlighted for a Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend flea market downtown. An application appears in the newspaper.
Members also discussed the status of the City of Houston’s condemnation of property at Grand Avenue and Pine Street in Houston. The effort will lead to a cleanup of the tract and planned development. Steve Drake, owner of the Houston Mill, also discussed improvements to his property.
Downtown Houston’s architect earlier completed a sketch for development of the property. Other drawings completed for downtown improvements also were reviewed during the meeting. All the master plan drawings are now completed by the group’s Springfield architectural firm, it was announced.
March meeting
Members of Downtown Houston Inc. met twice last week to finalize revitalization plans in conjunction with efforts by the City of Houston.
Those gathered reviewed numerous sketches for the work, which is the subject of two grant applications. One will be submitted later this month. The Springfield firm of Butler, Rosenbury and Partners was hired by Downtown Houston Inc. to develop a master plan. The city’s engineering firm, Hood-Rich, met Monday with officials to develop costs for Phase I of the project.
Elaine Campbell, development director for Downtown Houston and the city, is preparing the grant applications.
During the meeting last week, the group also learned about a low-interest loan program available to businesses for building and storefront improvements.
Logan Dale, president of First National Bank, highlighted the program that offers a low interest rate. Dale also discussed a second grant program initiated for entrepreneurship involving small businesses.
In other matters, members:
-Discussed a postcard project. The group plans to sell two postcards related to Houston.
-Will forward a grant application to Piney Art League. Earlier, the group was successful in securing funds for downtown murals.
-Discussed the need to mount a fund-raising campaign for the downtown revitalization. Several ideas were discussed.
The group’s next regular meeting is 5:30 p.m. April 24 at the Houston Herald conference room.