Paul Porter hopes to connect one of Iola’s most historic buildings to a wave of the future.
Porter, who owns the old Shannon Building at the intersection of Washington and Jackson avenues, has petitioned the Iola City Council to allow him to install an electric vehicle charging station on the west side of the building.
The charging station would be available for public use, and would encourage electric vehicle owners to spend a few hours in downtown Iola while their vehicles were charging, Porter noted in his application.
The chargers would be located where old gasoline pumps were used when the building was the T.B. Shannon Co. filling station in the early years of the 20th century.
Today, the building is home to Derryberry Breadery and Big Square Media.
Porter would pay for the installation.
Council approval is needed because the stations would be considered a non-public utility located on a public right-of-way.
Council members will discuss Porter’s request at their regular meeting Monday at 6 p.m. in the New Community Building at Iola’s Riverside Park.
