City Officials On Latest Plans For "Big E"

The Executive Inn Rivermont in Owensboro has been closed for more than two weeks now. The vacant seventeen-plus acre area is prime real estate along the river. An Evansville woman has signed an option to buy "The Big E". But, the man in charge of economic development in Owensboro says he hasnt talked to Mary Hukill. And as far as hes concerned, the for sale sign is still up. Mayor Pro-tem, Al Mattingly, says hes heard many things through the grapevine about the Executive Inns sale, but he says nothing is definite. "I can neither confirm nor deny any of those offers" Executive director for downtown development Fred Reeves says the city knew the hotel would close eventually. "We had anticipated this day for months for years, weve known they werent making money over there, we were surprised at how quickly it happened, but overall it was not a surprise." But both Mattingly and Reeves say the hotels closing was a necessary evil. "Weve always had visions to see great things on that property which probably didnt include the hotel as it is on the river, weve envisioned the need to take that down, and build a new structure on that property" "You make lemonade out of lemons, a purse out of a sows ear, I hope we take this and make it a real opportunity" One Evansville woman made public her plans to buy and develop two acres of the riverfront land. Mary Hukill says she wants to turn that property into condos, shops and a boutique hotel. But Fred Reeves says all he knows is what hes heard from the media. He says having a plan like Hukills is good, but.. "Regardless of what anyones plans are theyre going to have to pass the scrutiny of of lenders, so there are a lot of things that might be possible but until youve talked with people whos business it is to wisely lend you their money, these things are not going to happen. Reeves also says he would be more optimistic about the hotels sale and development if the economy wasnt so bad. Downtown Owensboro developers are currently working on a 40 million dollar riverfront makeover. They say they hope a new development on the Executive Inns land will take the riverfront to new heights.