Vibrant and welcoming downtowns are the heartbeat of any great community. Extraordinary transformations over the past 15 years have revitalized downtown Campbellsville into a bustling shopping, dining and business center. Thanks to numerous beautification and business development initiatives, downtown Campbellsville now exudes an energy that can be felt throughout the region.
Long-time downtown businesses, such as Mitchell’s, Tucker Diamonds and Gold, Moore’s Shoes and Service, James Art Glass, Magnolia Alley and others have established their roots and built their reputations as an integral part of the downtown business life. While several newcomers have helped generate a buzz of excitement and renewed interest among visitors.
Harden Coffee, which brews its own beans imported from direct trade with coffee growers, opened its doors in 2014. The popular café is a hub for college students, downtown employees and shoppers, families and out-of-town visitors alike. Attracting barbeque connoisseurs from far and wide, Brothers Restaurant offers an inviting mix of casual and upscale ambiance along with a variety of mouth-watering barbeque options that are sure to leave you wanting more.
A variety of other entrepreneurial businesses recently opening, including The Green Room Day Spa, Oak & Axe, Sweetwater Bookshop, Cakes by Camille, The Spoke Easy, A Different Drummer, Bourbon Boutique to name just a few.
Numerous historical renovations and beautification projects have made the downtown district an attractive and accessible space that can be enjoyed by all.
Between 2009 and 2011, more than $300,000 was spent on exterior renovations of 18 historic buildings in the commercial district. These renovations paved the way for many other new businesses, including The White Orchid florist, H&W Sport Shop, as well as several financial and accounting firms and law offices.
“These renovations dramatically improved our historic downtown,” said Donna Logsdon, Campbellsville Main Street Director. “It wouldn’t have been possible without façade grant funds from the State Historic Preservation Office sharing the expense with property owners.”
When the Taylor County Public Library moved in 2013, the city renovated the building into the Campbellsville Civic Center. Originally constructed in 1889 as the Campbellsville Baptist Church, the former sanctuary features restored stained-glass windows, a pair of wooden paneled doors, wood floors and ceiling, and a rose window. It is home to a number of government and non-profit organizations, including the City Council Chambers, Hope for Homes, Campbellsville Chamber of Commerce, Community Ventures, Greater Campbellsville United, Campbellsville Main Street and Team Taylor County.
Two major buildings currently being renovated are the 1909 Merchant Tower and the three-story 1905 Willock Building on East Main Street. “We look forward to exciting new spaces to open in these buildings soon,” added Logsdon.
Ensuring downtown amenities are accessible to all has also been a priority. When the city of Campbellsville received $200,000 in Renaissance Funds for downtown development, new handicap accessible sidewalks, lined with trees and grass, were constructed along Columbia Avenue, making it easier for pedestrians to navigate across Broadway into downtown.
Taylor County also received $131,000 in transportation-enhancement funds to construct a new curvilinear handicap accessible walkway lined with historical markers, trees and benches, creating a place to relax on the grassy courthouse lawn.
A raised platform, designed for public events and annual veterans’ memorial services, was built adjacent to the relocated Veterans Memorial monument. Above the platform, a large Civil War mural, painted by artist Joshua Mason, was made possible with TOUR SEKY C.I.T.Y. funds and a donation from Taylor County Tourism.
Tables and chairs, trees, archways with flowering plants, pedestrian lights and a trickling water fountain add to the downtown enjoyment. Throughout the summer months, Court & Main Market offers a festive atmosphere on the second Friday of the month where visitors can mingle with friends and shop at vendor booth selling unique handmade items, food and produce.
Today, downtown Campbellsville is the result of numerous well-planned beautification efforts making it a visually stimulating place that encourages businesses to flourish and expand in the community. For more information about downtown Campbellsville, visit Campbellsville Main Street at www.campbellsvillemainstreet.com