Looking To The Past, Brings Up Future Plans For Former Industrial Site


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JAMESTOWN – A new historical marker highlighting the City of Jamestown’s industrial past was unveiled last week, while municipal leaders are looking to bring new life to the site. 

Jamestown’s 77th historical marker was unveiled Friday at the Gateway Center on Water Street.





Mayor Eddie Sundquist spoke about the site’s past, but also looked ahead to its future.

“As we move forward over the next few years, this wonderful building will be transformed into the Gateway Lofts,” explained Sundquist. “I am happy to say that adaptive reuse of one of the largest buildings in Jamestown is both a huge undertaking but a massive boost to the city, and will provide affordable housing and direct access to services for those who need it.”

Plans for the edifice include creating new public housing options, with the project awaiting further funding. 





















“It’s gone through our planning commission, it’s gone through zoning, and they are working through funding and other opportunities now to remake the Gateway Center,” said Sundquist.

The city’s historian Ashley Senske believes that even though these buildings have a past to be remembered, repurposing them gives the structures new life.

“I would wish we could keep repurposing our old buildings and find new uses for them,” said Senske. “They may not be the same uses that we have seen before, but it’s important to keep their integrity and keep people in them. I think what they are doing here with the Gateway Center is Fabulous.”

This is not the only new historical marker coming to the Pearl City, the Mayor explains. 









“I’d love to say that there’s a specific location, but there’s a few ideas being tossed around, that committee will continue to meet and continue to recognise the city of Jamestown’s unique history,” concluded Sundquist.

 

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