Downtown to get another new business
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

As Kilgore's second year as a Texas Main Street City comes to a close the downtown district is set to welcome another new business.

Donald Thompson, NAPA Auto Parts franchise owner, announced this week he would begin construction on a new NAPA auto parts store at the corner of North Kilgore Street and Kay Street.

Thompson owns and operates a NAPA location in Henderson - also a Main Street City - so he is familiar with the Main Street Program. "He is on board," Fallon Burns, Main Street manager, said. "He has already said he will add large potted plants for curb appeal as well as attend or at least our Building Owners Luncheons and Merchants Meetings."

Merlyn Holmes, Kilgore Main Street Advisory Board president, has an idea that the NAPA store is just what downtown needs.

"The more traffic the better," Holmes said. "My hope is while the men are at NAPA shopping out the store, their wives will walk a block down Kilgore Street and shop out the shops."

Bill Woodall, Main Street Advisory Board vice president, agrees the business is good for downtown and the program.

"A healthy Main Street capitalizes on what we have, then finds businesses to fill in the spaces in between," Woodall said.

Burns said the store will increase weekend business and cater to a male clientele.

"Not many of the businesses downtown do cater to men," Burns said.

Thompson plans to level the existing building, until recently the home of a used car lot, on Monday. Demolition is also slated to include removal of the existing concrete parking area.

The new building will be an all steel structure.