It seems like there is new construction happening in every direction in Monticello.
From Drew Central’s new cafeteria addition, to desperately needed down town parking, the concrete is flowing is Drew County.
One of the largest projects is the dining area addition on the Drew Central campus. This project has been underway since well before students let out for summer break. The goal is for the project to be complete when the students return for the Fall 2022 semester.
“The project is progressing very well now that it is in the dry,” said Drew Central Superintendent Kim Barnes. “The laying of the brick is starting this week. We are also re-doing all the sidewalks around the high school to address drainage issues and installing a HVAC system in the multi-purpose gym. The construction team is pushing hard to complete it by the opening of school. All the building supplies are delivered but the sub-contractors, as many other business owners in our world today, are working with reduced numbers of crew members. We are very thankful for the dedication of the individuals who have shown up consistently to help complete our new dining room.”
Coming together just North of the Drew Central campus on U.S. Highway 425 is Patriot Fuel Stop.
According to Dr. Tim Simon, the store is scheduled to be operational by the Fall and they will have lots of parking for semi trucks, gasoline and diesel options for purchase and hot food items for sale.
Keeping North on Highway 425, a massive amount of dirt work has been done directly across from Wal-Mart. According to their website, Take 5 Car Wash will soon makes its debut in Monticello between Western Sizzlin and the new climate controlled Smart Storage units, formerly Johnson’s Furniture. Take 5 will have an oil change facility as well.
425 isn’t the only place getting construction action. On South Main Street, between the square and the Drew County Court House, a desperately needed parking area is taking shape. Parking spaces are extremely limited on the square, making businesses less accessible to patrons. The new parking lot should alleviate a long time problem for the downtown area.
