Linden shows off available properties

The red balloons, tables, music, cookies and people walking around excitedly in downtown Linden last Friday were all part of an “Imagine the Possibilities” evening of tours.

Linden’s Main Street program leaders are encouraging imagination by business owners, investors, developers and the public in general to consider what developments could occur for vacant or neglected properties in the historic downtown area.

“People have good ideas, but if they keep them to themselves, the ideas don’t get a chance to germinate and be used,” Main Street supporter Lucky Boyd said.

“An event like this helps people put ideas, properties and resources together. That’s what this evening on the square is all about.”

Main Street leaders had a map to show available downtowns properties. They also opened the doors of unused buildings for walk-through tours. Signs on the doors suggesting development possibilities helped to get people’s enthusiasm going.

Here were five ideas posted for one tenantless, corner building: “Gym, yoga, Zumba” “Children’s dance classes”

“Robotics with Texas A&M-Texarkana” “Tack and saddle shop” “Adult day care” All of the color, music, refreshments and curbside conversations were to encourage people to stop and inquire about what was going on. Some out-oftown visitors had done just that as they saw people standing around, talking as if celebrating.

“Imagination will energize our Main Street program and downtown Linden,” said Allie Anderson, Main Street manager.

“This event is not only for the individual who is looking to start or expand a business, but also for the community-minded citizen who wants to tell the property owner what they would like to see happening.”

Linden is joining other Main Street cities in featuring properties on the Texas Historical Commission’s newly developed web page “downtownTX.org.” This website shows real estate properties available for sale or lease.

“Especially good if you want to rehab an old building. You can get some ideas at this website,” Anderson said.

The Texas Main Street program provides historical towns the opportunity to redevelop through public and private investment. This year, Linden was one of two towns in Texas selected to join TMSP and 88 other Main Street communities across the state.

“Imagination will energize our Main Street program and downtown Linden. This event is not only for the individual who is looking to start or expand a business, but also for the community-minded citizen who wants to tell the property owner what they would like to see happening.”

Staff photos by Neil Abeles left Linden held an “Imagine the Possibilities” downtown tour of available properties last Friday as part of its Main Street program. Music, refreshments and balloons got people to stop and talk in the downtown area. Program leaders are encouraging...

left Linden Main Street program manager Allie Anderson is using red balloons to decorate and create excitement as people gather in the streets and on curbs to talk in the downtown area last week.

right A table and some chairs, red balloons and a little spare time are reasons enough to talk in downtown Linden, Texas. From left, Johnny Point talks with Larry Love, while Warren Pennington is speaking with Clarence Burns during this Linden Main...

above “Come inside and use your imagination to develop this business space,” Vivian Burns, left, and Beverly Freeman might be saying. Business suggestions have already been written on the door poster. Suggestions included a tack and saddle shop, a...

above Linden’s lamp lights and old water tower are enough to get the imagination going when visiting here.