On a crisp Friday morning, February 6th, the Daviess County CEO Cohort set out for an inspiring visit to Main Street in Washington, where they met with Dusty Davis and Mike Weiland. Dusty shared his passion for revitalizing historic buildings in downtown Washington, with a clear mission: bringing people back to the heart of the city.
Throughout the visit, Dusty reflected on both past projects and current renovations, emphasizing the importance of preserving architectural heritage. He spoke about the value of community-focused restoration and how craftsmanship, vision, and purposeful business decisions can transform more than just buildings—they can strengthen an entire community. He encouraged the cohort to take calculated risks, work hard, stay connected to their community, and always look for ways to give back.
Dusty also discussed various aspects of real estate and development, including rental properties, the differences between renting and flipping homes, purchasing on contract, and the considerations involved in historic restoration versus new construction. Students gained insight into the process of securing state grants for preservation projects and learned that financial returns in restoration work often take years to realize.
A highlight of the visit was touring the soon-to-open Downtown Deli. The cohort admired the meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful vision behind the renovation, including the use of restored materials from previous remodels—such as trim salvaged from the courthouse—demonstrating Dusty’s commitment to honoring local history.
As the visit ended, students expressed their gratitude to Dusty and Mike for sharing their time and expertise. The experience left a lasting impression, reinforcing the powerful role historic preservation plays in economic growth and community development.