Empty lot to be transformed into community space

By Shari Friedel

Grant Tribune-Sentinel

Renovation has begun on the empty lot between Soulful Salvage and Deaver Computer on the east side of Central Ave. in Grant, with the goal of turning it into a community-friendly space.

Kevin and Monica Poppe, owners of lot, have the dream of sharing it as a gift to the community. Their vision is to create a welcoming area for people to visit, play, and enjoy the outdoors. 

They have begun the first phase of the renovation, which will include shade cloths, tables, seating, a gravel floor, and planters of flowers for an organic, earthy appeal.

Kevin has built self-watering wicking planters that will simplify maintenance. Planting of the flowers, which were donated by Gardener’s Paradise Greenhouse, began Monday, June 19.

Rustic barn wood and tin walls will be installed at the back of the property, with spaces to allow for a vehicle to enter. 

Addional ideas include games such as cornhole, giant jenga blocks and popular board games painted on adjacent walls, as well as a possible mural.

Hastings Memorial Library staff, as collaborators on the project, plan to hold special events there such as story times, games and activities for youth and adults. 

All the improvements will be light in nature, according to Poppes, to keep the lot available for a possible future economic development opportunity.

“The lot can be used for local businesses to display promotional products on a limited basis that may not have access to main street traffic,” said Poppes. “We are looking to add an RV plug for vendors that need electricity.” 

One activity already underway is the creation of a painted rock snake, which originates at the front of the lot and will wind through the property. Citizens and visitors are invited to add their painted rock to the snake.