Kaine Riggan, executive director for Downtown Development, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss updates and news-worthy items involving downtown Henderson.

Downtown Board of Directors

Riggan explained that the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission’s Board of Directors is currently without a chair but has two qualified candidates in Benny Finch and Paul Harvin. “Both candidates are very qualified,” said Riggan. “While they have different leadership styles, they would both be great for the organization.”

Finch previously served as Vance County’s economic development director for 30 years; Harvin is vice president of The Rosemyr Corporation.

According to Riggan, the process of officially naming a chair has been tabled by the Board until further notice.

Breckenridge Pavilion

With a location planned near the Henderson Police Department, the last piece of the overall Breckenridge Commons project -known as the Breckenridge Pavilion – is currently under review by a City-hired landscape architect.

When asked about the project’s lengthy timeframe, Riggan explained, “It could have moved forward if we had been willing to put it at the top of the hill. Several members of the board felt that amphitheaters sit at the bottom of a hill. You don’t look up at a stage, you look down at a stage.”

To achieve this outcome as cost-efficiently as possible, said Riggan, the architect is looking at the best way to utilize the resources that already exist in the area.

Downtown Henderson Buildings

 “We are seeing good, positive movement in [downtown] buildings,” Riggan said.

Riggan reported that Gupton’s Sporting Goods, known to many in the community as Gupton’s Gun Shop, is being sold to an owner who is interested in using the building as a gym facility for women.

According to Riggan, the same owner bought the adjoining property, renovated the apartment upstairs for income and is now interested in developing the downstairs portion for business purposes.

Other currently vacant downtown buildings are being discussed for repurposing as a sandwich shop and a juice bar.

Riggan said he was further encouraged regarding the prospects of downtown business growth after attending a City variance meeting last week. “The committee had six projects before them of people wanting to open businesses or do something that they needed to have a code variance for and they were all approved. I think that says a lot about how willing we are to invite businesses and be open to expansion.”

While Riggan is encouraged by this support of potential downtown business owners, he readily admits there is room for improvement and steps to take to be eligible for additional opportunities. “We are still in a building phase with the Downtown Development Commission,” said Riggan. “We are trying to become a Main Street community again, which probably won’t happen before July 2020 at the earliest.”

Downtowns designated as members of the Main Street America program are eligible for additional funding and technical assistance. In addition to following a detailed plan, downtowns are required to have a full-time director to earn the distinction. Riggan is currently employed on a part-time basis.