MITCHELL – A long-vacant fixture of downtown Mitchell is finally coming down. The Office of Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs have announced 15 rural communities will receive more than $10.2 million in federal grant funding to expand community facilities, improve water infrastructure, and eliminate blight.
One project receiving Blight Clearance Program grant funding is the City of Mitchell. The City was awarded $500,000 to demolish an unsafe structure on Main Street. Upon completion, the location will be transformed into a public green space.
The Lawrence County Redevelopment Commission (RDC) has announced formal plans to demolish the dilapidated structure at 628 West Main Street, clearing the way for a significant expansion of the city’s public recreational space.
The building, most commonly recognized as the former Mitchell Bank, has a varied history. After its stint as a financial institution, it housed a dry cleaner and eventually served as the headquarters for the Mitchell Police Department. However, the site has sat vacant for approximately 15 years, falling into a state of disrepair that officials say now poses a safety risk to the downtown corridor.
RDC plans to transform the lot into a public green space because the property sits directly adjacent to Friendship Park. The demolition offers a unique opportunity to extend the existing park, creating a larger, more cohesive outdoor area for residents.
Officials have indicated that demolition will likely take place later this year due to several logistical hurdles. Architects and engineers must first conduct a thorough assessment of the site. The building shares a close proximity to Main Street Raceway, a local slot car racing business. Experts must develop a strategic removal plan to ensure the raceway remains undamaged during the process.
Following the demolition, the site will undergo a comprehensive cleanup to prepare the soil for its transition into a park.
