Program jolts activity in downtown Kilgore

When David Reeves opened his shop in downtown Kilgore this summer, he hoped he was making the right move.Filled with older-style flatware, "shabby chic" antiques and odd items, he opened Alley Cats Antiques on July 20. His first week in business put the fears to rest.

 

It went so well, in fact, he found himself knocking on wood to avoid jinxing the business."I'm really excited about what's happening downtown," Reeves said Tuesday. "I've been amazed, to be honest."It's a much different downtown than Kilgore had even just a few years ago.

 

Then, empty storefronts and scarce traffic were the norm. Now, the area is becoming a magnet for shopping, dining and entertainment, with parking sometimes scarce. Reeves said his shop wouldn't work anywhere else. "I wouldn't have done this had I not been able to be in downtown," he said. "Everything is within walking distance."Kilgore's Main Street Program gets a big share of the credit for the recent turnaround.

 

Since it began in 2008, the program has pushed for stricter zoning ordinances, building codes and streetscape improvements aimed at making downtown Kilgore a destination. Many of the ordinance and building code changes prevent some types of businesses, such as tattoo shops and pawn shops, from opening in the area, said program Director Fallon Burns. Other changes are aimed at giving the downtown a consistent physical appearance.

 

But while Reeves and others credit the Main Street Program, Burns said downtown's rebirth started years earlier by downtown real estate owner Harry Crouse. Crouse invested in a building he owned at 205 N. Kilgore St., Burns said, and pushed for other owners to do the same. The owner of a shop that has been in Crouse's redesigned building for about six years said he likes the changes he's seen.

 

"The word is getting out that this is the place to shop," said Justin DuPont, owner of 205, an interior design shop. "When I started this, there wouldn't be a car downtown." Once business began returning to downtown, Burns said, Kilgore kicked off its Main Street Program. The timing was good, because the city was coming off a couple of strong years for sales tax revenue fueled by the oil and gas industry. As that industry has taken a hit during the past few years, sales tax revenue also has declined.

 

But the city has continued its support.  The program is supported mostly by tax dollars from the city's general fund. The program's budget is $116,948, and its coming budget, which begins with the new fiscal year in October, has increased to $122,332. Burns said the program receives up to $10,000 from hotel and motel taxes for its "Friday After 5" concerts. Main Street also pays for water to keep downtown flower beds looking good and for the electricity to power Christmas lights.

 

Still, Burns said, much of the program's time, energy and resources are spent promoting Kilgore's downtown. "I'm constantly promoting the area, and that it is a good place for shopping and for people to do business," Burns said. "I offer free space on our website and a shopping guide to businesses downtown."

 

Before the Main Street Program began, Kilgore had about 19 businesses downtown. Now there are about 25. While that figure isn't significantly different, Burns said the mix of businesses has changed. "There's been a big shift in the type of businesses, and that has led to a revitalization," she said. "Now people have a beautiful downtown, and it's improved the quality of life.

 

"Still, there are hurdles to overcome. With increased traffic downtown, parking is becoming an issue. That's led the city to begin working on agreements with private lot owners for space. Another challenge will be keeping the trend positive."  Maintaining our growth will be difficult," Burns said.  "The growth we've had in this amount of time is unheard of."

 

Kilgore Economic Development Director Amanda Nobles said downtown success has boosted business in other parts of town, as well. "Kilgore has gone through several transitions," Nobles said. "When I first came here, there were few stores downtown that offered apparel or jewelry. Then competition from Walmart and the mall being so close made it very hard for those stores to compete."

 

She praised the city for maintaining support for the downtown area. The improved look and atmosphere downtown make the entire city more enticing to firms that may be considering area locations, she said. "When we do have companies drive through looking for space and see a community alive instead of dead and forsaken, it really gives good impressions of increased opportunity," Nobles said.