Downtown Owenton Revival | Spring 2022 Update

KIDS OF ALL AGES enjoyed the S'mores and More event, held Dec. 4, 2021, by Downtown Owenton Revival in the alleyway adjacent to the "Old Rexall Building" on West Seminary Street. — Photo by Whitney Prather Duvall

Happy spring, and thank you to everyone who has helped us get to where we are. Since taking possession of the "Old Rexall Building," as it has been sentimentally dubbed, we have made significant progress. With the help of some fantastic volunteers and donations, we have removed seven dump truck loads of trash and construction debris, removed many of the interior walls, and raised enough funds to replace the large plate glass window in the front. We have also identified some areas that are not as bad as we initially thought. And of course, we found some areas that were worse for the wear. Downtown Owenton Revival contracted with Woods Steelworks in Monterey to install a new stairwell security gate to secure the building further and cover all the open windows.

On Dec. 4, 2021, we were fortunate to participate in the Owenton Christmas Parade, where we hosted S'mores and More in the alley. We hoped to showcase how the alleyway could be used for events and activities. There were seating areas where guests could roast marshmallows and enjoy cider and hot chocolate under the string lights. Many great stories were told that day by people who worked and shopped there, which drove home the importance of saving the Rexall.

Hopefully, by the time of this publication, we will have begun work on removing, storing, and restoring built-in shelving and replacing the floor. There are also plans to further shore up the upper level and begin cleanup of that area, allowing better assessments to be made.

Many thank yous are due to the businesses and individuals who have helped. We can't wait to continue our work. If you are interested in our project, there are many ways to assist: follow us on social media at facebook.com/downtownowenton. We are always looking for people with skilled trade talents (carpenter, concrete, mason, etc.). Join us for a workday, share your story of the Rexall, or make a tax-deductible monetary contribution to Downtown Owenton Revival, P.O. Box 474, Owenton, KY 40359.

Best wishes,

Jenni Duncan, Committee Chair

Downtown Owenton Revival