OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
Larry and Rosemary Conder recently began work on their newest building at the corner of Second and St. Ann Streets.
Once construction is complete, Court Place will be what's called a mixed use building with retail space on the first floor and condos on the upper floors.
That construction means that the time capsule wall facing St. Ann Street will soon be covered up.
Kera McFadden is a manager at Bee Bop's where the wall is located on the outside of the building, and she says this newest building has already helped its neighbor, even in the earliest stages of construction.
"They heard the music outside, they came in, and they never knew we was here. We had a lot of first-time customers that came in, so it's helped our business a lot," McFadden said.
Unlike most projects the Conders take on, Court Place is being built from the ground up instead of the usual restoration.
Economic development leaders feel that this mold breaking will be good for the area.
"I'm hoping that this will signal a trend in the private market that, you know, from the ground up projects can work and can draw new people in," Joe Berry with Owensboro EDC said.
And that time capsule wall adds to the uniqueness of the project.
"It's a neat idea that gives people in the community an opportunity to put their name on something, and you could conceivably not see that wall come down for another hundred years," Berry said.
"I know I probably won't be around to see it, but, you know, my grandchildren or great-grandchildren will be," McFadden said.
The Conders say they expect construction to be complete in about a year.
Court Place will also include a rooftop terrace with views of Smothers Park and the Ohio River.
The Conders take great care to make sure buildings they restore compliment the historic look downtown.
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That construction means that the time capsule wall facing St. Ann Street will soon be covered up.
