A proposed renovation of the historic, old bank building in downtown Howard was described by its new owners, Tom and Myra Devlin, at a meeting of the Howard Chamber of Commerce last Tuesday.
Chamber president Benji Crupper introduced the Devlins who gave the following update on the project.

Tom Devlin expressed that he and his wife would like the Howard community to become involved in the renovation and plans for the bank building at the corner of Washington and Wabash streets. The Devlins put a new roof on the property this month to halt further deterioration, but noted that the entire building would need extensive repairs. Discussion followed about repairs and possible uses for the building.

The Devlins are looking into grants and other funding that won’t restrict the building’s remodeling and occupancy plans. Mr. Devlin expressed his wish that while he and Myra are available to help fund the materials and have already begun researching for grant money and advice from people who have done similar projects, he would like to see the community and individual volunteers provide labor and offer ideas of how the building could be used. A goal is that, after repairs have been made and a plan is in place for the space’s use, the city will take ownership, and the building will become an asset to the community.

Several Chamber members presented ideas, which included an art gallery and/or retail shop to display the products of local citizens; an area that could be used for dance lessons, pottery or other arts and craft lessons; a tea or coffee shop; a bakery; gift shops, and using the upstairs as rentable lodging.

Jackie Perkins gave a brief description of the building’s floor plan as she recalled it. Presently, the basement has a dirt floor since previous owners removed the original flooring material. The second floor has the walk-in vault from the bank and two large rooms. The third floor was made into apartments. Bob Black noted that the former American Legion building next door is part of the property and that at one time there was a walk-through between the two buildings.

Handicap accessibility was mentioned, and Mrs. Devlin noted that it was essential in any renovation that ADA guidelines are met. Mr. Devlin noted that while access to the main floor would be incorporated in any design, the installation of an elevator to provide access to the basement and/or second-floor area would depend on whether those areas are to be included in the remodeling project.

The Devlins feel strongly that products for the building’s repair/remodeling should be purchased locally, if available. Mr. Devlin also believes that any planned use of the building should not interfere or directly compete with existing businesses. He stated that he doesn’t expect that a typical retail business would thrive in the space and that a better use would be something that benefited the community.

Bob Black noted that the first thing to do is to clear out the space and clean it up. Once that’s finished, an architect or a structural engineer would need to assess and determine the building’s condition and stability. Myra Devlin said that she has contacts with an architect who should be able to help at that time.

Lonnie Stieben said he is attending a tour of recently remodeled old buildings in Burlington, and that he hopes to schedule another tour for Howard community members. This tour might spur ideas about possible uses as well as provide insight into the problems and benefits of a project such as this.

Tom and Myra Devilin have considerable holdings in Elk County and he serves as a partner in the Flint Oak Resort near Fall River.

Devlin is CEO and Chairman of Devlin Enterprises, a Wichita-based investment company. A real estate developer, Devlin founded the prestigious Flint Hills National Golf Club near Andover.

Following the bank building discussion at the Howard meeting, the Devlins distributed literature about what they consider to be drawbacks of wind turbines and possible negative effects on health, safety, lifestyle, wildlife, and property values.

Forty-four members and two guests were present for the April 28 meeting which was held at Poplar Pizza. The next meeting of the Howard Chamber will be held May 26.

Information for this story was submitted by Joanna Hunter, chamber secretary.