Chamber building nears completion

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

Chamber of Commerce president Lea Chrisawn stands outside the new Chamber addition which is, for the most part, complete on the outside. (Charles W. Johnson photo)

Anyone who has been downtown lately may have noticed the Chamber of Commerce building has finally taken its place as one of the jewels in the crown of the downtown revitalization project. The lettering recently inscribed on the front of the building was one of the last few finishing touches to the exterior which, according to Chamber president Lea Chrisawn, is essentially complete.

“The exterior is done,” said Chrisawn, adding the chamber still plans to install an awning across the front eventually. “For the interior, we’re waiting to get funds. We submitted an application to USDA for a loan and a grant. They say the paperwork looks good and they think we’ll be able to get the money.”

Chrisawn said the USDA, which also helped fund the Farmers Market locally, will be meeting sometime this month to make a decision on the funding.

“They think we stand a really good chance,” she said, “but we’re still waiting to hear.”

Chrisawn said even if the loan and grants are approved, the money wouldn’t be available for some time.

“The loan probably will be available in October, and the grant money will be available in January, but if we can get a guarantee from them that they are going to give us the money, then possibly we can get a bridge loan from one of the local banks.”

Chrisawn said the project is creeping closer to completion, but the Chamber still needs a fair amount of money to finish the interior.

Chrisawn said the addition will be completed first. At that point the Chamber offices will be moved into the new section while the original building is completely renovated. Eventually the Chamber will reoccupy its original offices and the Industrial Development Board, along with Main Street offices, will take up residence in the addition.

The addition will also include a community room, temporary offices to be used by businesses wishing to locate in Warren County, and even the front of the building will have a special function.

“We still intend to use that as a stage for community events and music,” Chrisawn said, “and we actually used the stage for the very first Music in the Park event on June 13 when Tennessee Trombonery came in.

“It’s a great location, because it’s raised and it’s easy for everybody to see, and if we block off the streets, there’s a place for people to sit. It’s really great.”