SHOALS – Work on the 178-year-old Nu-Tap building at 232 Main Street in Shoals is underway.
The Nu-Tap was built as a hotel and, years later, housed a tavern and pool hall. Historical records show it was the first building constructed on Main Street, and the Martin County Council meetings were held on the second floor while the Martin County Courthouse was being built.
The masonry is in bad shape, and roof leaks caused extensive interior water damage. The leaking roof caused heavy damage to the second floor, which eventually collapsed.
Town leaders had to decide whether to tear it down or save the three-story building. Both options were expensive—demolition would cost $200,000. And even that would not be very easy because the Nu-Tap has a shared wall with an adjacent building.
A planning group that included officials from Shoals, the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth, and community members explored options. They decided to repair the building.
Phase 1, which includes masonry repair, brick replacement, a new roof, and overall stabilization, should be completed by mid-May.
The project received funding from the town of Shoals, which provided $100,000 from the EDIT fund; Radius Indiana, which awarded a $50,000 grant; and the Martin County Redevelopment Commission, which provided $50,000.
Linton contractor Joel Oliver, who has experience working on older buildings, was awarded the stabilization contract.
With stabilization work underway, the committee continues exploring potential building uses.
Information: Southern Indiana Business Report.
