On the latest episode of Crossroads for Growth, Mayor George Bray talks with David Wilkins, a Lone Oak High School graduate and successful businessman who was attracted to return to Paducah, the town where he spent his childhood. Wilkins has successfully transitioned to a local business owner and developer. Before moving back, Wilkins, spent decades working outside of the state with vast experience in information technology, public service, and real estate.
Mayor George Bray said, “New investment is the lifeblood of our community. Whenever someone who has been successful moves back to Paducah and invests in the community, they lead by example, and it stimulates investment from others. David is one great example of this.”
After 40 years away from Paducah, Wilkins returned to Paducah and successfully renovated the historic building at 219 Broadway. Now known as the W Building, it is available for short-term and long-term deluxe apartment living. With memories of spending time enjoying downtown as a child, Wilkins wanted to invest in downtown as an adult to help it continue to grow and thrive.
Wilkins said, “When you are walking downtown, you are walking through history. Wherever you’ve been, there have been significant lives that have changed and evolved from their time in Paducah. I see Paducah as one of the last great frontiers of Smalltown USA where there is a lot opportunity to do renovations.”
Even though Wilkins has experience as an investor and entrepreneur, the building at 219 Broadway was his first historic building renovation to tackle.
Wilkins said, “I had never renovated an old building like this before. I had heard a lot of stories from a lot of people, and to be blunt, it wasn’t as bad as everyone said it was going to be. But I think I did two really smart things. First, I immediately found someone who understands historic preservation and the implications.” Wilkins said the second element of success was to involve the City early in the process to help identify potential problems in renovating a historic building. With early identification, Wilkins was able to build the solutions into the renovation plan.
Other topics discussed during this episode include what makes Paducah attractive to an investor and words of wisdom for young investors.
In addition to airing on Government 11 (for Comcast subscribers), the episode also is online at paducahky.gov and the various social media outlets for the City of Paducah including Youtube and Facebook. Visit the City’s Youtube channel (paducahkygov) and become a subscriber to be notified of new videos.
Crossroads for Growth is produced through the television production facilities at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.
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