HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Two municipal orders were approved by councilmembers that extend incentives for developers in downtown Hopkinsville. After four years of ongoing construction, another extension was approved by the council for The Rabbits Nest, LLC who are working on an extensive restoration of 601 South Main Street.
Incentives for this project were initially approved in December of 2021, with the LLC now requesting their third extension due to significant structural and mechanical engineering design and renovation work. The developer is investing around $1.7 million into the restoration, aiming to promote economic development with residential and retail property space, according to information from the initial municipal order.
A letter from the developer was submitted during the Sept. 18 committee of the whole meeting, where they explained that this will be final extension they will request. The completion date is estimated to be June 30, 2026. The incentives provided by the city include a 50% rebate of the total occupational license fee revenues and an 80% rebate of any increase in ad valorem tax revenue.
“As historic building renovations go, progress is always two steps forward, one step back, as issues are uncovered at each stage and then must be resolved,” said the letter from the developer, further explaining that unforeseen roof and window problem set them back. “Those issues have been resolved, and we are now completing interior framing and mechanical installations and will begin finish work before year end.”
Another incentive that was renewed amid ongoing construction is for the building at 1002 South Virginia Street, which has been extended an additional year. This project initially received a grant from the city for $150,000 in 2023, as well as tax incentives in November 2024.
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