Loudon plots downtown improvemen

Loudon plots downtown improvements as part of TN revitalization program

LOUDON, Tenn. (WATE) — The town of Loudon was selected to participate in the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Tennessee Downtowns Program, which helps revitalize downtown areas through training and an innovation project grant.

Loudon is one of 12 communities chosen to participate in this round of the two-year program, which aims to help towns enhance community livability, create jobs and maintain historic character.

Ray George owns Tic-Toc Ice Cream Parlor in the heart of downtown Loudon. He said he’s hopeful that the program will bring new life to the area.

“I think it’s really going to help, I think it’s going to grow a little more, I think it’ll be steady, pretty much good for everybody here,” he said.

Development downtown also aims to accommodate the growing population, which George has noticed over the years.

“We’ve been busier year after year. It’s our 25th year. and traffic-wise I notice it a little more. Definitely construction, I see a lot more houses and I think it will continue,” he said.

Downtown Coordinator Kathy Price said they applied for the program earlier this year, which includes training on how to build up a Main Street.

“Economic vitality, design, promotion and organization, those are the four steps in the four-point approach for Main Street. So they help train you in those approaches and what has made other communities successful,” she said.

The program also provides a $15,000 grant for a downtown improvement project, which will be decided on during the two-year process. The steering committee will look at walkability, streetscapes, parking, etc. to make the decision.

Mayor Jeff Harris said plans to develop the downtown area have been in the works for a while, but the program will help achieve those goals.

“We wanted to develop a space where people wanted to live, work, and play. A walkability is very important. There’s waterfront as we know, so walking trails, a place where people can shop as well,” he said.

He said they also plan to provide more residential spaces downtown. George said he expects increased walkability to benefit everyone in town.

“People like that, it’s kind of the wave of the future, it’s actually a wave of the past, but it’s coming back and I think that’s really going to be a draw,” George said.

Jellico was one of the other 11 communities selected for the program. According to TNECD, the selection process was based on historic commercial resources, economic and physical need, demonstrated local effort, overall presentation and probability of success.