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Glen Bruce Park Benches

Written by: Vicki Snodgrass, Executive Director of Leadership Kingsport

 

   In 2008 Leadership Kingsport celebrated 25 years.

   In looking for someone to champion the effort to celebrate, we asked Caryl Griffin. She gladly accepted.     She had a 10 member team which also worked very hard on this effort.

   Also in 2008, Peggy Turner was awarded the Distinguished Leadership Award (post humously).

   In an effort to do something unified we joined with Peggy Turner’s family and decided to redo the benches in Glen Bruce Park.

   Downtown Kingsport Association (DKA) had the earmarked funds made in memory of Peggy Turner.

   Two of Leadership Kingsport’s alumni made donations for benches.

   DKA was kind enough to take our donations and put it with the Peggy Turner memorial funds and order the benches.

   Peggy Turner’s family was instrumental in placing the benches in the park.

   A huge thank-you also goes to the City of Kingsport for unpacking the benches and putting them together and placing them.

 
More information about Kingsport:     

http://www.kingsporttn.gov/

http://www.visitkingsport.com/

http://www.kingsportchamber.org/

http://www.ExploreDowntownKingsport.com     

       

Who We Are

The Downtown Kingsport Association (DKA) is a private, non-profit membership organization dedicated to Kingsport’s Downtown revitalization. Our purpose is to promote Downtown Kingsport as the heart of our community, strengthen the economic viability by encouraging business diversity and enhance the unique physical characteristics of historic Downtown Kingsport. The Downtown Kingsport Association is coordinated by a full time Executive Director, a Board of Directors, staff, volunteer committees, business owners, property owners, residents, and community leaders to achieve our objectives.

Welcome to Downtown Kingsport Association
A Walk Down Broad Street in Summer

Testimonials:

Let our members tell you about their experiences and benefits from membership to Downtown Kingsport Association. Putting into words the overall experience of membership is best accomplished by our membership. Go to the Benefits video category an see these testimonials first hand.

Dick and Phylis Fortney with Rainbows End Florist Testimonial
Larry Crawford - Able Printers Testimonial
Pat Gamble Light - Guilded Nest Testimonial
Bill Testerman - Blakley Mitchell Testimonial

The Benefits of Membership:

Why belong to any organization, what is the benefit of any membership and finally why is it important to pay for that membership? Being a member of any organization is probably one of those unique American things that differentiates us from the rest of the world. Membership in the Downtown Kingsport Association is about uniting people with a common love for our Downtown. Members include all business sectors, provide a united forum for communication with City Government, work on the promotion of Downtown Kingsport and provide volunteers for events, festivals and projects for the Downtown.

The real benefit from membership in the Downtown Kingsport Association is the ability to network with others with a similar interest in Downtown. Build relationships that support member businesses and help new businesses af any kind develope and grow in our Downtown. Help find locations for new business and help keep our Downtown looking and functioning at its best. The members of Downtown Kingsport Association include some of the oldest and most successful businesses in Downtown. This group of business owners alone provides an invaluable resource for achieving success in member businesses. Membership also comes with many ways to efficiently and affordability promote your endeavor whether in retail, service  or hospitality related sectors. Living in Downtown? If so you also share a common need for communication as a unit on issues such as parking and services.  

We provide through membership income many great services and programs such as the Main Art Center. The Main Art Center is the first non-profit gallery in Downtown Kingsport and has a mission of supporting emerging local Artists as well as established Artists and seeing new for-profit galleries open. We don't just look at Pictures and drink Koolaide.

Join Downtown Kingsport Association and be a part of what makes Downtown Kingsport great. Enjoy fellowship with giving people that give to our Downtown and become a lover of our Downtown.
DKA’s recent accomplishments include:
  • Working with the City and the Broad Street Enhancement Project
  • Purchasing property on Main Street for redevelopment
  • Webpage links to available property in Downtown
  • 4 Arts/Entertainment Outdoor Concert Venues
  • Bring July 4th Celebration back to Downtown
We've Done A Variety Of Projects
Through a comprehensive approach to downtown revitalization, the DKA has served the downtown community through the following:
  • Harvest Fair Arts and Crafts Festival and Concert
  • Mardi Gras & Bead Toss
  • Community Christmas Tree Lighting
  • Evening with the Arts
  • July 4th Downtown Celebration Concert and Fireworks
  • October Fest
  • Gingerbread House Exhibit and Contest
  • Broad Street Cruise In
  • Merchants Christmas Open House
  • Annual Dinner and Live Auction
We're Strengthening Downtown Projects
  • Technical assistance and information
  • Monthly merchant meeting to give businesses a voice
  • A bi-monthly newsletter for members
  • An active Downtown Kingsport webpage
  • Applying for grant programs
  • Tennessee Main Street Certification
  • Advocating for Downtown through the Board of Mayor and Alderman.
  • Actively recruiting new businesses.
  • Reduced rate for advertising thru DKA “Coffee Talk” Radio Show
  • DKA members shop at and support other DKA member businesses
Benefits of DKA Membership include
  • Making a positive difference in the health, vitality, and livability of historic Downtown Kingsport
  • Free use of DKA office by members
  • Use of DKA office equipment (copier, fax machine, etc.)
  • Access to Membership Database
  • Notary Service
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Opportunity to work on Community Events
  • Having a voice with what happens Downtown
  • Problem solving agency for concerns a business may have with the City, etc.
  • Reduced rate for advertising thru Newsletter and Radio Show
  • Webpage that promotes Downtown Kingsport

Main Street - Tennessee Community Development

The Tennessee Main Street Program provides assistance to communities in revitalizing their downtown and central business districts, which are vital components of economic development and job growth.

As part of the Community Development division of the ECD, the Main Street team assists communities across the state with technical assistance and expertise in developing long-term strategies that promote economic growth and development.  There is a team of specialists that provides information and assistance in forging public-networking and training opportunities for downtown commercial districts.

In addition, Main Street revitalization is a comprehensive, incremental, self-help economic strategy that focuses on developing public-private partnerships to enhance community livability and job creation while maintaining the historic character of the district.

History

Downtown Kingsport, also known as the Model City, came alive because of two inspired individuals. John Nolen was Kingsport’s town planner, who teamed up with J. Fred Johnson, Kingsport’s “one man chamber of commerce”, to implement their idea of a planned industrial town. The residential areas and the industries were to be placed strategically around the downtown area. Nolen felt that Downtown Kingsport was a very accurate representation of what he had envisioned.

The history of the Downtown Kingsport Association dates back to 1939. It started with the Downtown Merchants Association, which preceded the Chamber of Commerce. After functioning as a part of the Chamber, DKA formed an independent organization in 1974. A professional director was hired in the late 70’s.

DKA is a private, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the revitalization of Downtown Kingsport. Our purpose is to promote Downtown Kingsport as being the heart of our community, to strengthen the economic viability by encouraging business diversity and to enhance the unique physical characteristics of historic Downtown Kingsport. DKA is coordinated by a full-time Executive Director, a Board of Directors, staff, volunteer committees, business owners, property owners, residents, and community leaders.

The DKA Foundation was formed in 1991 to serve as the tax-exempt vehicle (501-C3) for donations. The Foundation functions include community-wide events, such as the Farmer’s Market and Christmas decorations. Fund-raising events include sales of Church Circle art prints by Raymond Williams, historic prints by Raymond Williams, and Kingsport Mural prints by Ellen Elmes.

Currently, DKA has two full-time staff positions and one part-time position. The Executive Director is Lisa Childress,and the Special Events Coordinator is Patti Alley. Evelyn Johnson, who is part-time, is the Office Administrator.

DKA serves as Kingsport’s Office of the National Main Street Program. Main Street is under the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Post Merchants Committee - Creation of Downtown Kingsport Association:
In the 1970's retail businesses moved out of Downtown and the vacancy rate reached 40 % overall. A lumber distributor was allowed to build in front of the historic Train Station on Main Street as business hit an all time low. Some of the remaining businesses formed the Downtown Kingsport Association. (DKA) in 1974, and began unscientific attempts at Downtown improvements.

In 1977 DKA started the first Downtown Kingsport Arts and Crafts Festival. DKA created the Kingsport Central Improvement Commission (KCIC) in 1978 as a development agency that coordinated a loan pool of 2.1 million dollars, renewed it in 1984 at 1.2 million dollars, and made many improvements to Downtown buildings possible. 1979 also saw the first coordination by DKA of the Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which continues today as a tradition for many families. The City adopted parking programs suggested by DKA in 1979, which included "free" on-street spaces, coupled with development of several fee lots off-street for employees.

In 1980, KCIC installed street furniture, outlined a Master Plan for development of downtown (not implemented), and proposed a Special Assessment District, which failed. In 1981 DKA began free Friday Concerts in Glen Bruce Park that continued until 2003. Other special events were initiated through the early 1980’s.

Kingsport was selected as a Tennessee Main Street city in 1985 with DKA as the named organization. Also that year the city contracted with DKA to provide economic development services for downtown. This has been renewed every year since with $40,000 per year currently pledged.

In 1986 DKA and the city created a sidewalk improvement plan for downtown to ensure replacements would be uniform with bricks and tree wells. Several major restorations to buildings were made that year and the Sertoma Club built a gazebo in Glen Bruce Park. DKA commissioned a 20’ by 100’ historic mural on the Holston Valley Broadcasting building funded by contributions and an arts program grant for the city in 1987.

DKA successfully lobbied for the city to build a new justice center and police station downtown in 1987. A private effort to renovate several buildings on Main Street was completed that year saving many facades. A land swap coupled with incentives from the city made the renovation of the historic train station possible in 1988.

In 1989 DKA proved the need for a parking shuttle by operating a van for downtown workers, and then negotiated the purchase of two new trolleys by the city. DKA was contracted to operate them downtown until 1995 when the bus service went city-wide.

In 1990 DKA raised funds for the replacement of aging benches in the downtown park with new ones made of redwood. 20 more were installed on Main Street the next year using all private contributions. The University of Tennessee (UT) School of Planning prepared a master plan for downtown improvements to public areas. A vote was made to build a performing center downtown, but failed to pass. A citizens’ visioning/input process resulted in many ideas for downtown.

In 1991 DKA partnered with the Farmer’s Association for a downtown market. The city co-sponsored First Night, A New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts in a drug free and alcohol free environment in downtown along with the visioning organization, Kingsport Tomorrow. The public library in downtown was renovated that year by the city at a cost of $5 million.

In 1992 the First Baptist Church building was innovated at a cost of $3.5 million, the next year the First Methodist Church improved their building at a cost of $2.75 million, and the following year, the First Presbyterians added a multifunction building at a cost of $2.5 million, all downtown Church Circle.

1993 the city demolished an old motel downtown and built a landscaped parking lot as a result of DKA’s lobbying efforts. DKA partnered with the city that year to lease outdoor Christmas decorations. Three years later DKA borrowed money to purchase new decorations with the promise by the city to help repay the loan.

The city won a state award in 1994 for beautifying downtown in conjunction with DKA’s geranium planting program. At the request of DKA, a Leadership Kingsport case study examined ways to link downtown with the proposed convention center which would be built 3 miles out of downtown. DKA successfully raised funds to purchase the old Gem Theater building and developed plans to restore it for its office and community space at the same time stimulating adjacent property owners to make improvements. Negotiations began between DKA’s Master Plan committee and UT’s Chancellor to initiate a Design Studio with the College of Architecture focusing on downtown. Several young professionals began restoring downtown buildings for their own office and loft apartments.

In 1995 the aging paper mill was purchased by Willamette, Inc. who began millions of dollars of improvements to pollution controls and reclaimed a polluted industrial site adjacent to downtown. The Design Studio with UT began with the involvement of 20 students. Each semester students produced many designs and models of projects to complement downtown Kingsport. The DKA Board of Directors adopted a health insurance plan that year to provide group rates for member businesses at prices competitive with larger plans.

In 1996 DKA coordinated the state Bicentennial Celebration plans for the city. Historic murals, custom quilts, and numerous events were featured. Private construction investments in downtown reached $23 million since the first Main Street year of 1985. DKA kicked off the renovation construction of the Gem Theater building with a “Wall Breaking” ceremony and receipt of a $25,000 check from Citizens’ Bank.

In 1997 DKA launched a promotional video showcasing downtown and its businesses that was broadcast to each room of the Meadowview Hotel. The DKA membership drive enlisted 72 new businesses in 3 weeks. A “Model City Coalition” was formed to find development means for the UT Design Studio proposals. Also that year DKA partnered with a radio station to develop a weekly 3 hour remote broadcast from downtown.

The New Millennium:
Several years ago Downtown Kingsport Association embarked on an escallated vision for Downtown. The Boards over several years set out to bring Downtown Kingsport into alignment with the other successful Downtowns around the nation. This dissertation and the video produced to accompany it will tell a story that will show the hard work of many volunteers and staff. Please bear with us as the journey begins.

In 2000 DKA and the city partner to develop a plan for street scape enhancement for Broad Street and possibly New Street.

In 2001 DKA established “Evening with the Arts,” a black tie event promoting arts and entertainment in downtown. The Downtown Kingsport Music Initiative kicked off that summer with a weekly outdoor concert in downtown.

Tennessee Department of Transportation awarded an Enhancement Grant to the City of Kingsport for the Broad Street improvement project in 2002. That fall the Regional Center for Applied Technology opened.

In 2003 DKA committed to providing $10,000 over a three year period for the purchase of the parking lot next to RCAT to be used for public parking. A partnership was formed with the Madison Art Gallery in Madison, Tennessee to establish the state’s second non-profit art gallery to be located in downtown Kingsport.

In 2004 the Parking Commission was appointed by the mayor and construction on Broad Street begins. Tom Keller begins “Bluegrass on Broad.” Downtown was declared a Redevelopment District.

2005 proved to be an exciting time with DKA hosting the first St. Patrick’s Day Concert. Beer was sold in a concert setting for the first time in over 50 years. Also that year DKA received re-certification for the Tennessee Main Street Program and The Main Art Center was established in downtown Kingsport..

Other events in 2005 -- DKA brought July 4th Celebration/Fireworks to downtown Kingsport. DKA partnered with SAPS to bring the first Tomato Fest to downtown. Clara Bowlin, widow of Edgar Bowlin, “permanently loaned” The Jericho Road” to the Main Art Center for the public to enjoy. DKA hosted first Neil Danehy Golf Classic and a $500 scholarship was established at Northeast State Community College with Eastman Credit Union as sponsor. DKA organized the First Annual Gingerbread House Exhibit/Contest at AmSouth Bank. The DKA newsletter “What’s Up Downtown” won a Pinnacle Award given by North East Tennessee Tourism Association.

In 2006 the DKA newsletter “What’s Up Downtown” won 2nd Pinnacle Award and volunteer hours exceed 24,000 hours. DKA and the city partner to bring summer concert series “Twilight Alive” to downtown Kingsport. The Kesterson property received a cleanout with a workday provided by volunteers from Sunrise Rotary Club, Morning Civitan Club and DKA Board members. 15 tons of trash was discarded.

In 2007 DKA received a $10,000 Innovation Grant from the Tennessee Main Street Program to promote DKA and downtown. DKA partnered with the Parking Commission and the city for the Mid-Town Shuttle for downtown. $13 million of property sold in downtown since 2004 and the feel of revitalization was in the air as you walked down Broad Street and surrounding areas of downtown. DKA & ETSU & the city partnered to bring ETSU art classes to downtown for fall semester. Mayor Dennis Phillips requested the exploration of a merger between the Chamber of Commerce and the DKA. A Task Force Team was organized to explore a merger between DKA and the Chamber with former Mayor Jeanette Blazier acting as facilitator. Windows were installed at the Kesterson Property and the roof was delivered for installation.