According to a press release from Main Street Batesville, Elmer and Debbie Cochran have graciously donated the Simply Southern Building to the non-profit organization, Main Street Batesville.
“It was our desire to donate our corner to the continued efforts of revitalizing our historic district,” Cochran stated. “We are so proud of this building, and we have such a great Main Street Team that we are confident they will give the Simply Southern building new wings we never dreamed of.”
Main Street Batesville Executive Director Mandi Curtwright and the Main Street Batesville Board of Directors are excited to embark on this new venture with a building full of history.
“We plan to have our Main Street offices located in this building,” Curtwright explained.
“Our goal is to have a museum and gift shop located in the front of the building. We are looking forward to Covid restrictions being lightened, so we can create a space where the community can gather together and enjoy events.”
The Simply Southern Building’s history dates back to the late 1800s and has been part of the Maxfield Dry Goods Store, a bank, a Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store, a Crosby Drug Store, and a Crosby Soda Fountain.
