Al Goodman in the CJ, and M. Fine factory views.

Al Goodman is back in the news today, with the Courier-Journal’s "Indiana Weekly" providing prime coverage of his preservationist efforts.

Preserving area's past for future; New Albany man tries to save old tannery, wetlands, by Steve Chaplin (special to The Courier-Journal).

Here are excerpts:

Standing near the intersection of Main and Silver streets in New Albany, Goodman can imagine great Americans like Henry Clay and William Clark being there along with American Indians launching canoes into the Ohio River. And he can sense the impact of the nation's industrialization ...

... He dislikes the part of the plan for a 17-mile, multimillion dollar riverfront loop between Kentucky and Indiana that would accommodate motorists on a new two-lane paved road in addition to hikers, bikers and other low impact users.

"They want to spend over a million dollars to put up a new bridge over Silver Creek as part of a two-lane road for cars to use the riverfront," Goodman said. "I think there are some places we just don't need cars."

Obviously, Al's future plans are an integral part of the the Greenway as well as the Main Street Preservation Association’s efforts to formulate an area plan, even if his property falls outside the exact boundaries of the Main Street historical district.

Ideas, issues and brainstorming at MSPA's Small Area Plan kickoff.

Last week it was revealed that the owner of the vacant M. Fine factory building is planning an ambitious renovation of the structure.

(He) unveiled a $7.5 million makeover into a retirement home, with 58 "independent" units and 23 assisted living, and with the stated aim of retaining the original look of the building while unifying it under one architectural design.

Here are five views of the building, which is located between 14th Street and 15th Street on Main Street. First, looking to the southeast, with 14th Street on the right:


Looking north from the corner of 14th and E. Main:

Industrial windows facing 14th:

Looking to the north, from the rear of the building:

And, finally, as it appears westbound on Main Street: