Downtown Demolition

East Construction Co. brought the building down in less than two hours Thursday morning.

After a structural engineer said the building was in imminent danger of collapsing, the council approved an emergency declaration that includes a $58,564 demolition contract.

After a second inspection declared the Blue Streak building unsafe, Hopkinsville City Council will meet Tuesday to decide whether to order its demolition. The report has sparked public outcry and renewed debate over how to balance safety and preservation downtown.

Advocates for saving the East Ninth Street building told the mayor and council members that professionals in historic properties ought to be consulted, too.

Hoptown Chronicle's letter writers have covered many topics, including legislative redistricting, disagreements about school funding, problems with panhandling, how old American flags are properly retired, the health department’s response to the pandemic, the benefits of Hopkinsville’s rail-trail, nonpartisan elections and the occasional “thank you” from a nonprofit to the community. 

County officials are setting up a two-stage bid process that will be announced soon, said Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam

Historians believe the Webber Building behind the old courthouse is the oldest surviving structure in the downtown business district.

Hoptown Chronicle shot a series of photographs documenting the final stage of the historic building's demolition.

Jeff Siegler, who has assisted hundreds of communities with their revitalization, outlined five recommendations for Hopkinsville during a talk Wednesday in council chambers.

Mayor James R. Knight Jr. said the city will be bolstering a sidewalk barrier around the Phoenix during Summer Salute on Friday and Saturday.

The artifact – housed at the Pennyroyal Area Museum – was once housed outside of the historic Phoenix Building, which is slated for demolition.

Christian Circuit Court Judge Andrew Self's ruling means the city will not be awarding a contract to one of the four companies that submitted bids.