Gimbel Clearing Starts

VINCENNES, IND. (WTHI) -       An eyesore in a southern Indiana downtown is on the way out.

      Heavy equipment has begun hauling off the remains of the old Gimbel Building in downtown Vincennes.

     The action is one the community and other business owners along Indiana's oldest Main Street are happy to see.

      Less than 24 hours after the city announced a deal with the former owner, heavy equipment moved in and began clearing the rubble from the Old Gimbel Building at Second and Main in Vincennes.

     The action was welcomed by nearby business owners.

     "It's just a mess to look at," said Debbi Lynch at the Posh Boutique.  "I don't know if it has affected our business, but I know I'll be extremely happy when it is cleaned up."

     "Wonderful feeling to get this cleaned up," added Deborah Dickson at Riverwalk Antiques, "this has gone on for too long."

     The city worked for 10 months to get to the point where a deal could be made for the clean up.

     The former owner says the key was when Good Samaritan Hospital and Vincennes University jumped in to help the city.

     "I really appreciate Vincennes University and the hospital stepping in to help because without them it wouldn't be getting cleaned up today," said former owner Travis Tarrants.

     It may have taken less than 24 hours for the Old Gimbel Building to burn down, but it will take at least 20 days to get it cleaned up, and when the work is done there will be one clean, level lot.

     Officials estimate the cost for this work will be more than $100,00, but at city hall the relief the clean-up brings is priceless.

     "It's a wonderful feeling to know that corner is being cleaned up," said Mayor Joe Yochum.  "It's absolutely wonderful."

     Now, everyone is anxious for the work to be completed and for Main Street to get back to its normal business.

     Once the lot is leveled the city will put it up for sale.

     Right now there are no plans for any new construction on the site.