Email link

Respond to editor

Read comments (13)

City envisions Depot Street revitalization

Wednesday, September 3, 2008
By Brian Mosely

Traffic could become one way on East Depot Street if revitalizations plans are approved. The city council was presented with the idea Tuesday, but it will not be on the agenda next week.
(T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Order this photo]

Turning East Depot Street into a one-way thoroughfare is one idea that is part of a revitalization project envisioned for a two block area off the public square, the Shelbyville City Council was told Tuesday.

City manager Ed Craig said he had been approached by several merchants on E. Depot about making the street one way due to concerns over safety for the businesses there

Craig said the idea had been floated before, which would only apply to a two-block area from the square to the Highway 82 Bypass.

City Manager Ed Craig displays a conceptual drawing of how East Depot Street could look if revitalized.
(T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]
Showing the council a printout from the city's architect, Craig said the plan would be to have the street one way, have angled parking on the right side of the street leaving the square, and would allow the city to expand the sidewalks on both sides of the street.

One sidewalk could be 12 feet wide, with walkways 17 feet wide on the other side, Craig said, which would be perfect for sidewalk cafés.

The idea goes hand-in-hand with a concept being floated by those trying to revitalize Shelbyville's Mainstreet program. Craig said he and others visited Cookeville to see what has been done with that town's square, such as taking areas similar to Depot Street and "turning them into a project and turning those downtown communities around."

The projects have made the areas "very attractive and (have) drawn businesses and people back into those neighborhoods," Craig said.

Nearby Winchester was also given as an example of a successful revitalization program by Craig.

Craig said East Depot Street could be revitalized and turned into an attractive outlet for food service and entertainment.

Craig also passed around drawings dating back some 30 years discovered by Nancy June Brandon of what East Depot Street could look like, featuring archways and walkways.

Craig said it was his understanding that all the merchants on East Depot were in support of the idea of making the street one way. Craig also said he welcomed input from the community.

If the council thinks it's a good thing to do, the city could alter the design of the trees that were planned for the area, Craig said. Comments from the council about the idea were favorable.

Craig also mentioned that Beth Rhoton, owner of the Capri Theater, said she was ready to put money into fixing up the exterior of her building, but not until the city comes up with some design guidelines of what would go along with a downtown revitalization project and improve the sidewalks.

Comments

Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please Login or Create an account first, and then you will be able to flag a comment as objectionable. Please also note that those who post comments on t-g.com may do so using a screen name, which may or may not reflect a website user's actual name. Readers should be careful not to assign comments to real people who may have names similar to screen names. Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.

Dimwit 04 if are aso unhappy with the Capri, do not go there. Better yet, move to M'boro and you can see all the movies in digital surround sound you want. You may not have any money left to eat on, but that's your problem.

-- Posted by Chef Boy R.D. on Thu, Sep 4, 2008, at 8:44 PM

I offered suggestions to the current problem, which is the precise reason our local theater is hardly ever busy. Anytime I want to see a movie I do go to Murfreesboro, but there in lies the problem. Citizens of Bedford County being told "if you don't like it go somewhere else" and that is exactly the same mentality that has been shown to businesses seeking to locate here... It is a trickle down effect, and one should only wonder why our county is always broke. Keep your citizens here, they spend their money here, which means more local tax dollars here, instead of surrounding counties who enjoy outsiders paying for their growth.

A little lesson in economics would you greatly expand your horizons, though resorting to childish name calling, it is apparent you won't get very far in that lesson.

-- Posted by darrick_04 on Mon, Sep 15, 2008, at 8:32 AM

Why not build a NEW theater with updated screens, surround sound.... in a more accessible place and with meeting more health and safety codes. Perhaps a bathroom with a door on the stall too? LOL... I am glad we have a theater, but really, when are we going to get with the times?

-- Posted by darrick_04 on Wed, Sep 3, 2008, at 10:54 PM

I understand what you are saying darrick_04. I wish it was in a "MORE ACCESSIBLE" area, with more movies to choose from and better updated seating etc. as well. The Old Krogers Building is still empty, The old Bi-lo building is still empty, even the old Good Will building I'm not sure about the size being bigger or not but these are ALL better parking spaces and easier accessible. The only thing is are the owners willing to buy or lease these buildings and will they make enough money to profit off of using these buildings.

"SOME" people want small time businesses, that only benefits a few around here, and the others have to do their shopping, working, and entertainment out of town. If things don't start changing, stepping up and improving for the better here in Shelbyville, other towns are going to out shine us and financial profits are going to drive on to the next town that offers citizens more and better choices of shopping, work, and entertainment. I don't mean to sound Harsh, but this is the way it is right now. It could be changed though.

-- Posted by Momof3&3step&1gran on Fri, Sep 5, 2008, at 1:14 PM

The pedestrian mall wouldn't work to well, customers loading large pieces of equipment in and out of the Record Shop really appreciate being able to drive right up to the front door.

On the theater issue, I would like to see the theater be transformed into a performing arts theater like the one in Lewisburg. Our community needs a place (better than the fly) to have plays and concerts.

-- Posted by acoustik on Fri, Sep 5, 2008, at 9:55 AM

-- Posted by Chef Boy R.D. on Thu, Sep 4, 2008, at 8:44 PM

I have to admit that I haven't been to the capri in a long time, but then again I haven't been to any movie in a long time. I will say this, at least the Rhoton's are trying to keep something in Shelbyville for the lower class people and young people. Many 16 and 17 year old children, including my own, are not allowed to drive all the way to Tullahoma or Murfreesboro to see a movie. There aren't many things for a young person to do in Shelbyville. Not all kids are into sports enough to go watch a game(SCHS football or basketball) therefore they need something to do.

Yes the theatre in Tullahoma is nice but how much is enough. With their prices on tickets and food, it costs a small fortune for 2 hours of entertainment. At least our theatre (capri) is affordable. By price comparison on tickets, food and drinks, I would stick to the capri. They have kept the prices reasonable so that young people can stay in their hometown and still have somewhere to go on a date.

If I had $60 (or more) to spend in Tullahoma (for a family of 4) to see a movie, I wouldn't do it. I would wait a month, spend $5 to rent the movie, $3 on a 10-pack of popcorn and $1.59 on a 2 litre coke. Of course I'm older and have learned the value of saving money.

Children are another story. They all need "friends time" and "date time". The Rhoton's have my appreciation in "keeping it small town". My children stay out of trouble and still get to see a movie at a reasonable price at the capri.

-- Posted by time2relax on Thu, Sep 4, 2008, at 3:51 PM

Perhaps,the Capri's critics could gather up the money to build a new,fancy movie house on Madison Street and convert the old picture show into a live theatre and showcase for art and revival films.

The Rhotons,Mr. Jacob or whoever could oversee their operation and keep each place clean,safe,functional and attractive.

-- Posted by quantumcat on Thu, Sep 4, 2008, at 2:58 PM

Hey superx I was there 2 weeks ago so I guess that could be outdated right? NOT!!!!! You must be friends with the Rhotons. I think the place is a dump and why pay to go there to sit in a run down joint when I can drive a little further and sit in a lot more luxurious environment WITH surround sound and dolby digital. Maybe you like it but I guarantee if poll 100 people in Shelbyville the majority would disagree with you.

In the words of a great wise man, Dwayne "THE ROCK" Johnson...... Know your Roll...Shut your mouth.

-- Posted by wrongiswrong on Thu, Sep 4, 2008, at 1:12 PM

I agree with Tatersue, a pedestrian mall would be neat.

-- Posted by Sharon22 on Wed, Sep 3, 2008, at 11:48 PM

-- Posted by darrick_04 on Wed, Sep 3, 2008, at 10:54 PM

The seats aren't that comfortable to me as the ones in Tullahoma. And their isn't as many movies to choose from. It's like they are a bit behind.

-- Posted by Momof3&3step&1gran on Wed, Sep 3, 2008, at 6:42 PM

I think a better idea would be to close off these two blocks completely and make the area a pedestrian mall.

-- Posted by tatersue on Wed, Sep 3, 2008, at 5:59 PM

wrong is wrong... I think your opinion is a bit outdated. I frequent the Capri regularly, and have found it to be consistently clean during the Rhoton's tenure there. Any 60+ year old theatre will have issues from time to time, and I believe they address them. Maybe it's been too long since you gave them a shot at your entertainment dollar.

But to get back to the topic, I applaud the Rhotons for making the investment in our town (which they didnt have to do) and their willingness to participate in the downtown revitalization.

-- Posted by superx1250 on Wed, Sep 3, 2008, at 1:57 PM

Hey MRS RHOTON before you put money in the exterior of your theater why not try doing something to the inside to the seating. I used to frequent the capri but had to stop because I am tired of the seats being broken and worn out and having to walk around trying to find three seats together for my family and me. Not to mention everytime you take a step you risk losing a shoe in the molasses type substance stuck on the floor. Come on clean up the indide where it matters before you waste money on the outside.

-- Posted by wrongiswrong on Wed, Sep 3, 2008, at 1:10 PM