With a renewed focus being placed on the future of Historic Downtown Elizabethton, city leaders aren’t forgetting about their roots.

Frequent users of the Tweetsie Trail stretch through downtown often get the chance to stop near the former Estep Coal Company building off East Elk Street. The building, which is nestled right at the entrance of the downtown business district, is now under the operation of the city.

Jon Hartman,City Planning and Development Director, stated that there is currently no specific plan in place for the building. He added the goal right now for the city is to get the building to a point of it being stabilized to make sure no further deterioration occurs.

“Future plans are open,” Hartman said. “But right now we’re just working to preserve the building.”

Lindberg Estep, who passed away in 2015, operated the facility for 67 years. The building has been a popular social media draw for those walking down that portion of the Tweetsie Trail wanting to know more about the history of business’ workings throughout the region. The area is now cleaned up as work begins to preserve the historic area.

In the April 2018 edition of the ET&WNC Railroad Historical Society newsletter, a piece written by Ken Riddle fondly remember Estep’s endeavors throughout the area.

While no plans are currently available for the building, there are future plans for what downtown could offer.

A slew of plans are coming down the pipeline for the downtown area. The Regional Planning Commission approved a code change for pub bars in Elizabethton with the goal of encouraging businesses to specialize in the sale of craft beers. City leaders and merchants are also looking at the possibility of having the area part of the Main Street program.

Another focus of downtown revitalization is the Bonnie Kate Theater. Leaders held a vision meeting Thursday evening to discuss the future of the building. Currently roof repairs are taking place. Throughout the evening, several local leaders gave an idea of what they hope to see the Bonnie Kate do for the future.

One of the key events that is on the horizon for the event is the BBQ, Blues & Brews festival, which is scheduled to take place next weekend. The event is a benefit to help with future improvements at the theater, which is being used for different community activities.