HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – As multiple businesses in downtown Hopkinsville announce their closure, “For Lease” signs have become the new norm in the area. Boarded windows and faded or damaged facades can be found down several roads as buildings either remain empty or underutilized. Four businesses have recently announced closures or relocations in the past few months. This includes Milkweed Health & Harmony Emporium, Charlotte’s on 6th, Downtown Nutrition, and White Flowers.
“Owning a small business is not for the faint at heart,” said Holly Boggess with Community Development Services. “It truly is a labor of love that requires your attention far beyond a full-time job. Renovating a property downtown also requires many financial resources, which is why incentives are available to assist and offset those costs.”
With the establishment of the Downtown Entertainment District in 2025, events and collaborations between businesses and the city helped breath a new life into downtown. Among some of the positive changes are the relocation of a popular restaurant, a unique shopping strip on East Ninth Street, a new bar in development on South Main Street, a large vendor mall opening this spring, and an extensive renovation of second story apartments and offices by courthouse.
“I think the important thing to remember is the businesses who are thriving downtown and the buildings that are being renovated,” she added.
While Boggess shared that the old Downtown Nutrition will be quickly leased, and the Milkweed location is an attractive spot, other buildings have remained empty for extended periods of time. Coupled with that, the main road that travels through downtown now features a large, empty lot after several historic buildings were demolished.
Mayor Knight previously shared with Christian County Now that he believes the demolition of the buildings will help move downtown into the next phase of development.
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Downtown development initiatives and incentives
“Downtown is the heart of the city, and when it thrives, the entire community feels the momentum,” said a statement from the City of Hopkinsville to Christian County Now. “To encourage continued growth and investment, several incentive programs are in place to support those interested in renovating or developing downtown properties, whether for residential or commercial use.”
The City of Hopkinsville provided information about initiatives that provide financial assistance and incentives to people who are interested in investing in downtown.
24/7 Initiative: Encourages the creation of upper-floor residential units in existing downtown buildings.
- Provides financial incentives to offset renovation costs
- Expands housing options in the downtown core
- Supports mixed-use redevelopment and economic vitality
50/50 Matching Program: Supports downtown redevelopment through exterior building improvements and upper-story residential conversions.
- Reimburses a portion of eligible project costs
- Encourages business growth and housing creation
- Strengthens the Downtown Renaissance District
Collateralized Loan Program: Provides financial assistance for larger-scale redevelopment projects.
- Supports façade improvements and streetscape upgrades
- Assists with upper-story residential conversions
- Eligible multi-family projects must include at least 10 units
Preservation-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT) Program: Provides relief from ad valorem taxes by allowing a property owner who is investing at least 60% of the assessed value of the property to have their city property taxes frozen for a period of 5 years.
Downtown Development Incentive: Offers an 80% rebate on the difference between pre-development and post-development ad valorem taxes for a period of up to 20 years, along with a 50% rebate on payroll taxes for new jobs that are created, for a period of up to 20 years.
Find out more about these initiatives and how to utilize them on the City of Hopkinsville website.
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