It is exciting to see new people investing in downtown Kinston whether they are transplants who fell in love with the vibe or natives returning home to be part of the rebirth. Chuck Hengst and wife Liz recently purchased the Mockingbird Books building which is little more than a façade.

They and DK Board member Brandon Corey, his Queen Street next door neighbor and owner of House of Ink, put their heads together and came up with a long-term temporary plan to improve its appearance while plans for the building are developed.

A call to Sherwin Williams led to the procurement of paint, and Corey took an idea from a DK design discussion to create shutters to fill the upper story windows, while the ground floor windows will be tinted to obscure the view of the gutted interior. Every little improvement helps property values and perceptions. A little effort and imagination can make a big difference. Thank you guys for taking this on.

This is terrific example of property owners and business neighbors collaborating to improve their block and property values. Sometimes it does not take very much to make a big impact.