Lincoln County Economic Development recently posted in their Live Lincoln County Facebook page of progress being made in restoring Lincoln’s historic downtown district.
Just when we think some things will never change, they do. This is especially good news when the change is an improvement, as in the case of five vacant buildings in Lincoln.
Most recently Lincoln Center Antiques & Collectibles, the building at 123 E. Lincoln Ave. has been vacated following the death of Mike Simmons, proprietor. This building, as well as the former Lincoln Farm Bureau building two doors east, is in the process of being cleared of its antiques by new owner, Jacob Littlejohn. Once both buildings are vacated completely, plans will be made for remodeling and available for lease. The former Lincoln Locker/ Candy Kitchen which sits between the two has been in a state of collapse for several years. The plywood that has covered the front of the building has recently been removed to assess the extent of restoration needed. The interior of the building is being demolished, but Littlejohn intends to retain the historic storefront and rebuild the interior.
The Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation purchased the building at 127 W Lincoln Ave. through a tax foreclosure sale. Over the past year, the building has been cleared of junk and a new roof has been installed on the building. The building is available for sale with more proactive marketing of the property planned soon.
The “Old Bakery Building” on W Lincoln Ave. was purchased by Eric and Emily Wolgamot. They have cleared both floors from mountains of junk. New glass is in the works for the storefront window with plans for fresh paint in the spring
