Todd Coleman's Classic Furniture (corner Pearl and Main) is sprouting windows.

Until the past two days, all the work had taken place inside. The contractors hired by Todd Coleman to install windows couldn't proceed until interior walls previously erected in front of the windows were torn out. Those are being remodeled, too.

On Friday afternoon workers were peeling away the ancient outdoor covers to reveal the new windows.

Todd told me that on top of the grants made possible by the Horseshoe/Caesar Foundation, he's already spent close to a quarter million of his own dollars remodeling his properties here and on the corner of State and Market. He's also working on the building adjacent to the White House Center, and will tackle the smaller structure at 311 Pearl Street early next year.

Windows also are appearing at Schmitt Furniture.

Then there's the street level sheet metal eyesore across the street from Mesa.

Is he related to Bill Allen?

City Hall describes the four major projects to be funded (in part?) through the Horseshoe Foundation's $5 million gift.

Earlier, we had video from today's ceremony.

horseshoe-foundation.html" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">Cosmetic surgery: Horseshoe Foundation gives Jeff Gahan $5 million to spend on whatever he damn well pleases.

There'll be time for further discussion.

Until then, following is the city's press release -- Team Gahan's own words and illustrations, offered without comment.

One clarification: The segment of Market Street pictured below is between W. 1st and Pearl. 

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horseshoe-foundation-gives-5-million-gift-to-city">Horseshoe Foundation Gives $5 Million Gift to City

This morning, at a media event at the scenic Riverfront Amphitheater, the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County awarded a $5 million gift to the City of New Albany.

"On behalf of the City of New Albany, I'd like to express my sincere thanks for this extraordinary gift from the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County," stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. "Their generous gift will benefit the City of New Albany for years to come."

The gift is to help fund projects in downtown New Albany and along the Ohio River Greenway. Four major projects will be funded through this generous gift from the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County.

Additions Along the Ohio River Greenway

As the original Ohio River Greenway Project nears completion, a few areas surrounding it are in need of some revitalization.

One project aims at developing the Loop Island Wetlands into a nature preservation area, and encouraging residents to take part in and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The Ohio River Greenway Project aims to bring increased tourism to the area, encourage healthy lifestyles, and improve the overall quality of life of residents, and this project will assist the Greenway in those goals. The nature preserve, in addition with other beautification efforts on site, will create a beautiful space to relax and reconnect to our roots as a river community.

Along the western edge of the Ohio River Greenway, river recreation reigns supreme. Plans for this section include campgrounds, canoe and kayak launch off points, docks/slips, fuel pumps, a boat house and boat ramp, and more.

"For years, access to our natural waterways here in New Albany has been limited," stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. "These projects, and others like the Silver Creek Access project, will help us reconnect to our river heritage."

Market Street Promenade

This project aims at both beautifying and improving the safety and walkability of the Market Street corridor, while retaining the unique historic feel. It will include enhanced crosswalks and intersections with decorative pavers, improved pedestrian safety and walkability, all with a focus on the historic character of the area. Work will also be done to enhance the overall tree canopy with native and proper species, and improve the landscaping and foilage for both beautification and improved safety and sight-lines.

Downtown Facade Improvements

New Albany has a plethora of beautiful, historic buildings in its downtown. Unfortunately, over the years, some of these buildings have had windows shuttered and closed off, original brick walls painted over, and historic character lost. Some buildings have even been painted together to appear as one structure. This project will seek to revitalize, refurbish, and redevelop buildings and facades in the downtown area, reinvigorating these historic strcutures to their original historic look, including improved windows and uncovered original brickwork.

Riverfront Overlook

The current overlook for the New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater has served its purpose for many years overlooking the beautiful Ohio River. However, after many years, it is time to look at updating this structure. This project will both study and redevelop the structure into a more usable and friendly location for residents and visitors to gather and view the majestic Ohio River, along with events and festivals along the riverfront property.

Classic Furniture: On the right side of New Albany street grid history.

Todd Coleman's Classic Furniture

October 24 update: My two-way street project and how you can help.

Thanks to Todd Coleman and Classic Furniture.

To make a lengthy story much shorter, Todd's been extremely helpful as we've worked toward furnishing the WCTU Reading Room at Bank Street Brewhouse, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him for it.

Hit by falling brick lately? Don't get "injurd," okay?

Thanks to GH for the tip via Facebook.

Note that I normally refrain from linking to WHAS-11 owing to the web site's obnoxious proclivities for pop-up ads, but this story (if true -- can anyone verify this?) strikes a chord. In my Tribune column tomorrow, there is a fleeting reference to bricks falling into the same alley from the same persistently and willfully neglected furniture storage building.

I wrote the column before any of this came to my attention, and stand to look downright copycat. More importantly, it's too bad about the building, one of my longtime favorites downtown. Try to ignore the ee cummings effects and read:

man permantly injurd by falling wall, by jasonthalmann

new albany should be a safe place ,but with buildings like this one,,someone else is going to get seriously injured "again,,

(Photo credit: Here)

That's an improvement.

(photo credit ... MK)

Photo essay: An historic downtown property, and its stewardship.

All photos except the second (yellow) are from the summer of 2008. I couldn't find the photo showing the fallen bricks in the alley behind the building, although they're probably still there.

Can you spot ...

... the illegal signage?

Downtown furniture corners still windowless.

What can be done about it?