Downtown Kimball has had several looks, changing with each generation. The current look might best be described as vacant.

This week two more buildings, owned by the same man were put on the market. 120 S. Chestnut, currently vacant has been listed. The building has two one bedroom apartments upstairs with a commercial space on the main floor and storage in the basement. It is listed at $200,000. The second building is two doors down at 114 S. Chestnut. Currently operating as Orion Amen, the single story restaurant has a basement and includes all equipment for $230,000.

There are three other buildings on Chestnut St between 1st and 3rd streets that are currently for sale, ranging from the high 100 thousands to the low 900 thousands. Another six buildings are vacant right now but are not on the market officially.

The lean times for downtown come as Kimball residents confidence in a missile program related boom has softened and residential availability, especially for rental properties has hit modern lows.

Clean Harbors plans to construct a new apartment complex in the vacant lot across from Kimball County Manor, but those apartments will only be available Clean Harbors employees. Clean Harbors is also spearheading a new single family home development on the south side of town. Construction is expected to begin in the spring on those homes, that will be sold to the public.