Tuesday, May 18, 1999
Big dreams for Lawrenceburg
First step: Architect to take stock of city
BY RAY SCHAEFER
Enquirer Contributor
LAWRENCEBURG — Ron Mattox saw the Argosy Casino complex go up near his High Street home and hopes he'll have a front row seat to the city's next phase of riverfront development.
City leaders want to turn a seven-acre site on High Street between Elm and Vine streets into a convention center, theater, office buildings, a 75- to 100-room hotel, apartments and parking for up to 825 spaces.
Plan recommended
The first step was taken Monday when the Lawrenceburg Redevelopment Commission recommended an Indianapolis architecture firm's $20,000 plan to gather information about city buildings.
Paul Gareis of HNTB Architects said his firm expects to be in town next week to talk with business owners and others. He said public meetings are expected next month, with the master plan to be finished in July.
Mr. Mattox, 59, looked at HNTB's preliminary sketches Monday and said he liked them.
“I think that will get people downtown,” Mr. Mattox said. “Lawrenceburg was in bad shape before the casino.”
HNTB's work would cost around $148,000, Mr. Gareis said.
Mayor Melvin Gabbard said the entire project would cost $20 million to $25 million, to be paid from casino taxes.
“I think anything at this point is good for the city,” Councilman Thomas Rowlett said. “It's definitely on a positive note.”
"Off the beaten path'
City leaders conducted a feasibility study last year. They say the new complex fits in nicely with the levee walk that opened three weeks ago, a marina set to open in July and planned riverfront park, serpentine wall and plaza.
“I think we all agree we all want to see (Lawrenceburg) as a destination to come to,” said Tom DeWees, who owns the Ande Chevrolet dealership on U.S. 50 and is chairman of the redevelopment commission.
“That is going to be a challenge,” he said. “It's a little off the beaten path.”
Lawrenceburg will have to deal with competing convention centers in Covington and Sharonville.
Mr. DeWees said a planned satellite uplink in the convention center and location make Lawrenceburg desirable.
Visitors “can be connected with people in San Francisco and New York like they're in the same room,” Mr. DeWees said. “We hope the high-tech and the fact that we're so close to the (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport) will let people fly in.”
Mr. Mattox is looking forward to the development taking shape, though he said he would consider selling his home.
“For the right price,” he said.
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