Funding will go toward deconstruction of former Middlesboro Elks Home

FRANKFORT, Ky – On Nov 4th, Gov. Andy Beshear announced $244,488 in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funds to Discover Downtown Middlesboro to assist with the deconstruction and site cleanup of a four-story building located on Cumberland Avenue. The building is the site of the former Middlesboro Elks Home. Once the building is demolished and site cleanup is completed, the lot will be marketed by Discover Downtown Middlesboro for redevelopment.

“This project is going to help Middlesboro attract new investment and support their efforts to drive economic growth downtown,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The ARC is a great partner to Kentucky, and this project will build on our record-breaking economic momentum and help drive job creation so our people can build the lives they want and deserve.”

There is a growing demand for build-ready sites in Middlesboro to attract new investments for commercial, retail and residential uses. This site will provide approximately a quarter acre of space for a new business to utilize. The former Elks Home is an abandoned property situated between two existing buildings, which complicates the deconstruction process.

“As we attract new investment into downtown, having build-ready lots like this are a huge help,” said Middlesboro Mayor Rick Nelson. “The old Elks Home has been a blighted property for years, and we’re excited to see the lot be put to good use. This funding will improve our city and set us up for future success.”

The removal of the dilapidated structure will provide a build-ready lot that will attract new investment to Middlesboro.

“Discover Downtown Middlesboro would like to express our gratitude for the funding made available to create a space for additional growth in our downtown community,” said Larry Grandey, grants coordinator for Discover Downtown Middlesboro. “This has been a five-year process and a joint effort on many fronts to make this a reality. Removing a dangerous building out of our downtown area and allowing for revitalization with new jobs and new opportunities is what Main Street is all about. We are looking forward to working with developers to make this space a centerpiece for our downtown area. This will allow our continued revitalization and encourage new investors into our community.”

In addition to the $244,488 in ARC funds, other federal sources will provide $124,012, bringing the total project funding to $368,500.

About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. More information is available here.