The push is on to get the downtown redevelopment project complete.

Tom Davis, of Genesis Property Development, appeared Monday night before the Redevelopment Commission to present the latest billing statement for the nearly three-year project that is completely overhauling the Public Square in downtown Shelbyville.

Davis provided an update on the final phase of the project.

Landscaping is complete on the south end of the center island with work continuing on the north end. The center island has the renovated Julius Joseph Fountain, three flag poles and the Balser statue.

The fountain is currently turned off to allow brick pavers to be placed in the area. Once that is complete, Davis anticipates turning the fountain back on and letting it run through the end of the month before shutting it down until spring.

Limestone delivery was a concern for Davis when he spoke in September before the commission. Those concerns are alleviated now as the project rolls along.

“We are getting limestone deliveries every Monday so we are still pushing for (completion) by the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Davis. “Over the next month, you will see a lot more brick going down and limestone going up. And we want to get the paving done before the weather turns (cold).”

More light poles are scheduled to arrive which will brighten up the east side of the downtown area currently under construction. A second shelter house is almost 100% complete as well.

Davis stated trees will be planted later this week and early next week.

With the west side of the Public Square finished, Davis has seen an increase in people utilizing the pedestrian-friendly design.

“I have heard a lot more positive comments over the last month than the whole project,” said Davis. “People are starting to use the space.”

Work continues on the Methodist Building, the tallest building on the Public Square. Genesis Property Development, based in Shelbyville, owns the building and is cleaning it out to prepare for the build out of corporate apartments, which are already drawing interest, according to Davis.

While Davis expects the project to be nearly complete by the end of November, he admitted there may still be some final things to complete as December rolls around.

The City of Shelbyville is planning to hold its annual Christmas celebration in the downtown area after Thanksgiving.

Photo courtesy of Genesis Property Development shows the downtown redevelopment project earlier this year.