STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
A key downtown retaining wall and access project could be finished this fall, according to Glasgow Public Works Director Jim McGowen, improving safety and walkability near the Barren County attorney’s office.
The city is rebuilding the retaining wall that supports the elevated ground beneath a city-owned parking lot behind the attorney’s office, helping keep the hillside from shifting onto West Main Street. In addition to the wall work, crews are installing a steel staircase that will connect the upper parking lot to the lower West Main Street property, providing a new pedestrian link between the lot and the street.
The project follows Glasgow’s acquisition of a vacant lot on West Main Street in February 2024, after former Councilman Patrick Gaunce demolished his building and donated the property to the city. At the time, the City Council was divided over whether to accept the donation, with some members raising concerns about the cost of repairing the retaining wall and the ethics of taking ownership of the property. Another building next to the county attorney’s office had already been demolished by Barren County before the city acquired Gaunce’s neighboring lot, and officials say that demolition created additional access for crews to work on the retaining wall.
Public Works Director Jim McGowen said the current project is contracted to be complete by early to mid October. McGowen said that with good weather and no delays, work could be finished as early as mid September, but that timeline depends on conditions during construction.
He said the eastbound lane on West Main Street will be closed periodically on an as-needed basis throughout the project to allow for the delivery of construction materials. The work is intended to protect both the parking lot and West Main Street by stabilizing the hillside and improving access between the upper and lower properties.
Key Facts
– Glasgow is rebuilding a retaining wall behind the Barren County attorney’s office.
– The city is also adding a steel staircase connecting an upper parking lot to West Main Street.
– Former Councilman Patrick Gaunce donated a vacant lot to the city in February 2024 after demolishing his building.
– City Council members were previously divided over accepting the donation due to cost and ethics concerns.
– The neighboring building was demolished by Barren County, improving access for repairs.
– Public Works Director Jim McGowen says the project is contracted to finish by early to mid October.
– McGowen says work could be complete as early as mid September with good weather.
– The eastbound lane on West Main Street will close periodically for material deliveries during construction.
