The two buildings at 101 and 103 Main Street have been demolished, and the property’s owner is hoping to redevelop the lot.
Dr. Adrian Brown, spokesperson for the Sunflower County Ministerial Alliance, which owns the property, said it is his understanding the owner is exploring a number of options for the corner lot, including a public-private partnership that could result in a mixed-use development.
The City of Indianola had voted to adjudicate the buildings during a June meeting, but the board later granted a 90-day stay of adjudication in October.
That 90-day period would have been up in January.
Brown said the alliance made the decision to level the buildings, rather than pursue redevelopment plans for the original structures.
Brown said the Ministerial Alliance has always existed without its own office space and has always rented, so the members, including Rev. Phillip McGee, who is CEO of the organization, are hoping to include a headquarters for the alliance in any redevelopment plans.
He said the alliance would only take up a small portion of any mixed-use development on the property. The rest could go toward developing retail or more office space.
The alliance did not come into possession of the second building at 103 Main Street until September, but Brown said the original building was donated to the organization to provide space for them, so he believes the alliance still wants to honor the donor’s original intent.
The two buildings sat side-by-side at the corner of Front Street and Main Street. There was an awning attached that encompassed both buildings until October, when the city removed it, citing safety concerns ahead of the Gentry High School homecoming parade.
Brown said the alliance is currently listening to potential partners about the property.
