There have been a lot of questions about what will happen to
the hospital buildings that are in downtown Harriman. For the past few years
the City has been actively preparing for this time by reinstalling the Harriman
Industrial Board that was originally formed in the 1960’s, hiring an employee to
oversee the maintenance of the properties, contracting with the KCDC (same
firm that worked with Knoxville with revitalization of Market Square) to
establish an Urban Renewal and Revitalization District downtown and a lot of
little things such as pole banners and grants for sidewalk and lighting just off
of Roane Street.
We are in somewhat of a fortunate situation in that we own
14 buildings that are being vacated by the hospital. A lot of towns our size
continue to struggle with property owners that are non-compliant to the local
codes and ordinances and are unwilling to sell or use the buildings. By the
city working with the Industrial Board they are able to control each piece of
property and SELL rather than auction like a municipality would. The IDB may
set the price for each building and be as aggressive as needed in order to
entice developers to come back to our downtown, once again making our
revitalization easier than other places we have visited.
Along with the
big hospital building we also have some along Devonia Street as well as several
on Roane Street that we will be making available for purchase on June 22nd.
This will be a day hosted by the Harriman Industrial Board so that any
interested parties can walk through each building, ask questions and talk with
people from the Chamber of Commerce, the City, State and the KCDC. These people
will be able to answer questions as to the history of our area, demographics,
details about the Urban Renewal District and other things that we have been
working on to make our downtown vibrant once again. This day will be the start
of a two week process where the IDB will accept letters or requests for
use/purchase for each building. Some things that the board will consider will
be the proposed use as well as price. We want to be sure that we are attracting
and getting quality buyers for these buildings that will add to and enhance our
downtown.
Similar to 123 years ago when the East Tn Land Company
marketed and invited buyers to come to Harriman to form our city we too are
hoping to attract interested buyers to come and start the final phase of our
downtown revitalization! These are exciting times, please come out and support
us and be a part of the new Harriman!
THE BOTTOM LINE
IS:
The City of Harriman has
14 properties located in the downtown district available for
your business opportunities. The City of Harriman along with the Harriman
Industrial Board will be hosting a Prospect 14 Tour on June 22, 2013 from 10 am
- 5 pm. Plan to attend now and get a first hand glimpse during this historic
event.
A few of the buildings offer 2nd
level housing opportunities and the street level would all be available to
retail, restaurant, antique shops, office space, commercial use.
Staff will be available to meet with
you to discuss your concept and review the opportunities downtown. We want to
ensure that your goals are met.
To read and see more about this
event, and the properties, CLICK HERE!
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