Chamber board favors interim development of fire area

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of three articles on the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Gary Emry recently offered his thoughts on the future use of the part of downtown Fort Scott that was destroyed by fire, and other business and economic issues that should have an effect on Fort Scott this year.

Concerning the development of the nine lots in the Block 88 fire site -- where the Miller and Nelson buildings once stood near the corner of Wall and Main streets until their demolition in March --the FSACC Board of Directors said the removed building facades could possibly be saved for other uses, according to a statement from the board.

"The material of facades should be stored in another location in a manner that would save the material in whole, if possible, in the condition they currently stand," the statement said. "The saved facades should be evaluated for future application, including uses such as planters or retainer walls if the facades cannot be used in whole."

The board statement went on to add that the lots should be developed under temporary scenarios until permanent structures are built. The first seven lots would begin at Lot No. 7 and move north to the intersection of Wall and Main streets, while lots No. 8 and 9 on Scott Street could be used as feeder lots for additional parking, the statement said.

The area could also be used for other purposes, including limited parking, green space, foliage, street sculptures, and water displays. A multi-use area such as this would provide an ideal location for local events such as the Farmers Market, the annual Good Ol' Days, and the downtown Fall Festival, the statement said.

Chamber officials are also working on different ways to improve the economy and business in downtown Fort Scott. The FSACC Downtown Development Division began working late last year on a development plan to resuscitate the area ravaged by the March 2005 fire, and to address needs downtown that had been overlooked, Emry said.

"We believe the downtown needs a facelift in order to bring back the beauty and character that was once so prominent," he said.

More recently, a group of local citizens formed the Phoenix Committee to unite their efforts and expertise to reach a goal that would create positive results for the community. That committee is looking at various improvements to the area, including new period lighting, new awnings, trash receptacles, traffic and pedestrian patterns, a blend of retail offerings, downtown living, and historic preservation.

"Some of this work has already been completed by community volunteers and helped save thousands of taxpayer dollars," Emry said.