In Henderson, a high-rise apartment complex stands in total darkness for an entire year. This isn't just a visual blight; it's a source of frustration for business owners and nearby residents alike. Jeremy Day, the owner of Freak's Tattoo Emporium, vividly describes the situation, stating, "There's nothing there now. It's just a big dark empty building that's a plight on Water Street."

Unraveling the Mystery of the Henderson High-Rise

Construction Halt and the Empty Watermark Building

The mixed-use complex was first announced in 2021, promising to bring new life and foot traffic to the area. However, since December 2023, construction came to a screeching halt. As Jeremy Day recounts, "One day everybody just pulled out. They started moving equipment and a couple days later they came back, loaded up everything and were just gone." The seven-story high-rise was nearly complete but now finds itself nearly $16 million in debt due to liens filed against the property.This legal battle between the project's developer, Strada Development Group, and the contractor, Gillett Construction, has only added to the uncertainty. As Day puts it, "We thought they would get it worked out. Somebody would write some checks, they'd get paid and they'd be back on it."

The Impact on the Local Community

The empty building has not only affected business owners like Jeremy Day but also the local community. It stands as a reminder of what could have been and creates a sense of unease. Nearby residents look at the dark structure with concern, wondering when and if it will ever be brought back to life. The lack of progress has a ripple effect on the surrounding area, with hopes of a revitalized downtown now hanging in the balance.Businesses that were looking forward to the new complex now find themselves in limbo. They had plans and dreams tied to the project, and its sudden halt has left them scrambling to figure out their next steps.

The City's Hopes for a Resolution

The city of Henderson remains hopeful for a resolution. In a statement on Monday, city officials said, "Any actions regarding the Watermark project are subject to the ongoing U.S. bankruptcy court matter. The city remains hopeful for an agreement between the many stakeholders in the bankruptcy action and remains ready to help the project move forward to completion once allowed by the bankruptcy court."As of now, there is no clear timeline for when construction will start up again. Channel 13 has reached out to Strada Development Group but has not received a comment. The future of this once-promising project remains uncertain, leaving the community waiting with bated breath.