Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
SHOALS – History is being saved and restored in downtown Shoals as stabilization work progresses on a Main Street building.
Work on the Nu-Tap building began earlier this year. Phase 1, which includes masonry repair, brick replacement, a new roof and overall stabilization, should be completed mid-May.
The Nu-Tap building was in a state of disrepair and town leaders were at a crossroads: tear it down or figure out a way to save the three-story building. Both options were expensive – demolition would cost $200,000. And even that would be complicated because of a shared wall with an adjacent building.
A planning group that included the town of Shoals, the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth and community members started meeting to explore options.
In 2023, the Nu-Tap building, 232 Main St., had reached a crucial point in its 178-year history. The masonry was in bad shape and leaks in the roof had caused extensive interior water damage.
Cecil Ragsdale is president of the 232 Main St. Committee, a group overseeing the project.
“It’s amazing what we’ve accomplished,” Ragsdale said. “What was left of the roof, we’ve got it all off. Now when you drive by, you can tell a big difference.”
Linton contractor Joel Oliver, who has experience working on older buildings, was awarded the stabilization contract.
“We thought it was ready to fall down, but once he started on it, he showed us a lot of things that were good about the building and some that were bad,” Ragsdale said. “The whole north side had considerable damage.”
Water damage from the leaking roof caused heavy damage to the second floor, which eventually collapsed.
Funds for the stabilization came from several sources, including the town of Shoals ($100,000 from the EDIT fund) Radius Indiana ($50,000 grant) and the Martin County Redevelopment Commission ($50,000).
The estimated cost to raze the building was $200,000.
“After getting that price, we thought it was a no brainer to stabilize it and try to save it,” he said.
With stabilization work underway, the committee continues to explore potential uses for the building.
“The Committee and several visionary community members have great ideas for the building. One that is shared often is the need for housing. This building is the only three-story building in Martin County, and the oldest building on Main Street,” said Jessica Potts, executive director of the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth. “A three-story building gives us many options, we could easily use those top 2 floors for 2-3 apartments, and the bottom floor could be used for retail. This is just one thought of use of space for this building.”
The Nu-Tap was built as a hotel and years later housed a tavern and pool hall. Historic records show it was the first building built on Main Street and meetings of the Martin County Council were held on the second floor while the Martin County Courthouse was built.
Potts said saving the building has been the main goal.
“Buildings with this kind of history and character aren’t built nowadays. Tearing this building down provides nothing but a hole for the community, rehabbing it will provide at least something to the community. The Committee hopes to save the building, and then outside investment come in and do something good for the community in this space,” Potts said.
The year 2023 has seen new activity on Shoals’ Main Street. Casa Sevilla Mexican restaurant opened in October and H&H Hometown Hardware opened in November.
“Both businesses are doing well. We hope to continue that momentum into 2024!” Potts added.