Clovis has a large number of empty unused buildings. These buildings quickly become unsightly from lack of upkeep and attention.
Why couldn't these buildings be used as showcases, or display cases that would promote the positive aspects of Clovis? Or, maybe non-profit organizations could use them to promote their services - free advertising space. The organization allowed to utilize the space would be responsible for making it attractive and would be required to vacate the premises whenever a tenant has been secured for the building. You and I know, that there are a number of buildings in this town that have been empty for years.
We need to deal with the owners of these buildings, make them responsible for making their property attractive - either personally or through the services of a non-profit.
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tom, are most of the buildings owned by "local people" or by out of town or state individuals or corporations?
The local owners may be persuaded, but I'm doubtful about the out of town owners.
I do agree though, that something needs to be done about this problem. Although, the problem has improved lately with Hobby Lobby and Hastings taking over the old K-Mart building.
the old memorial building is one fine example of some of these abandoned buildings. why not provide this building to the lighthouse mission, it could provide shelter, storage space, centrally located, and the individuals who choose to reside, or come for the soup kitchen in the building can work the grounds keeping it presentable to the community, as well as passers by,not talking free labor here, just a way to continue to serve, and receive. I recently read in the local newspaper that the existing lighthouse is saving what little money they have to construct a new building, donate the old building to a good cause.
Sandman opines that empty buildings are a symptom of the greed of capitalism. They are kept around because there is no incentive for property owners to tear them down when they are beyond repair. They are much like the junk cars people keep on their property with the thought, "gol-dang, BillyBob, we gotta keep that truck around 'cos ya never know when we're gonna need parts."
Tear the smaller buildings down, invest in the larger ones.
The "Matt 25" project hoped for for the old Memorial Hospital is a muy bueno idea.
As for the Hotel Clovis, want to see what happens when capitalists invest in a run-down hospitality property? Look at the Gadsden Hotel in Douglas, Arizona, a town 1/6 the size of Clovis. The Gadsden is a viable hotel.
A lot of older buildings are quite costly to renovate due to asbestos removal being so expensive. Therefore owners "sit" on dilapidating property until some form of growth or a guaranteed developer are present.I feel if most cities were to bring in engineering firms to give rough estimates of renovation costs on specific "problem" or key buildings cities could develope master plans based on these numbers.Even charging a percentage of that cost over a period of time may act as an incentive to repair these eye-sores. Many old warehouses in my town have been converted to large expensive lofts. The only problem with this is that after 5:00 PM there is nothing occurring culturally to lure would be renters and buyers to the area. That sort of "night life" developement should have been planned in conjunction with living space.
I admit I don't know much about Clovis, except for the Clovis point and the ancient Clovis bison-hunters. However, this idea interested me. Instead of advertisements, however, I think murals would look much better on otherwise nondescript empty brick buildings. You could just open up these walls to local artists, and I think you can beautify your city with images of life in Clovis or any other theme. I don't think this would cost much if you stick to spray paint.