MADISONVILLE, KY (WFIE) -
The city of Madisonville is recognized for their effort to revamp the downtown business district. They've been nominated in the Prettiest Painted Places in America contest.
Just a couple of years ago, a project known as the Downtown Turnaround Partnership began in an effort to beautify downtown Madisonville.
"People are starting to take note of our downtown," said DTP chairperson Jenny Gibson.
Gibson has been instrumental in these changes that include flower pots lining the sidewalks and painted building facades. She says it may be subtle, but they make a huge difference.
"Through paint, you can take a non-descrip building that no one pays attention to into one where people will actually slow down and look at it," Gibson noted. "I watched it all day yesterday, this is for real it does happen."
Gibson continued her work Friday and because of her dedication the city, was nominated for the national Prettiest Painted Places in America contest. The winners get national media attention and are promoted by the Paint Quality Institute.
"Anytime you get that kind of recognition it makes people feel more proud of their place and that encourages growth and keeps the boom going," said Chamber President Harriett Whitaker.
Whitaker says more and more businesses downtown are embracing these improvements.
"People start seeing a change and they want to be part of it and it's slow," she said. "It takes a long time."
Gibson says winning this contest would be a bonus, she's just thrilled for the future progress of downtown Madisonville.
"We want to attract more restaurants, we want to attract more artists, more fun and unique shops that would probably not locate anywhere but downtown," Gibson noted.
The city will find out if they are a finalist in September.
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The city will find out if they are a finalist in September.
