Can Artists Save Haynie's Corner?

Haynies Corner hasnt been a top destination for visitors in Evansville for decades. But the neighborhood just southeast of downtown is making a slow comeback from years of urban blight. City council president Keith Jarboe wants to help that progress by designating the area an arts district, complete with an advisory committee. That committee would be tasked with luring artists to the area, encourage property owners to preserve the historic character of the buildings there, and promote renovation of the historic buildings there. Haynies Corner is perhaps best known for the Alhambra Theater, built in 1913. Jarboe wants that to become the focal point of the revitalization effort. Hes also backing a proposal to let artists run small galleries out of their homes. That would require a change in zoning in the area, but he thinks it would also spark commerce, interest, and foot traffic if several boutiques were to open. "We can really create an area of interest to bring people back to the downtown, to really appreciate good art," Jarboe said Monday. " Jarboe estimates about 30 artists are living and working in Haynies Corner right now. That number could balloon with backing from the city, says resident and art promoter Tom Loesch. "There are more pieces that need to be put in place, but its possible here," Loesch said. He and artist Billy Hedle moved to Evansville from New Orleans. Loesch likes the idea of an arts community, but says the neighborhood has to establish its own identity to set it apart from art districts in places like Paducah, Kentucky. "We need to figure out what is uniquely Evansville," he said. The arts district measure was introduced at Monday nights City Council meeting. It now moves to committee, and is then opened up for public comment.