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Paranormal investigator urges commissioners to preserve Floyd County Asylum as historic, multi-use site
Summary
A public commenter proposed that Floyd County sell or contract the Floyd County Asylum for preservation, arguing historic significance and potential revenue from heritage and paranormal tourism; the board heard the pitch and did not take immediate action.
A paranormal investigator identified only as Vince urged Floyd County commissioners on Aug. 5 to pursue preservation and adaptive reuse of the Floyd County Asylum, describing a history that dates to 1838 and proposing a mixed-use plan that could include historical tours, paranormal investigations and community events.
"The Floyd County Asylum, also known as the poor farm, dates back to 1838...preserving the site means honoring those stories," Vince said, urging the board to consider sale or contract arrangements that would fund restoration. He said such sites have attracted tourism at other properties, citing Waverly Hills and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum as models that brought heritage visitors and overnight stays.
Vince proposed partnerships with local institutions including IU Southeast, suggested that a recycling center on the property could remain under a contract, and outlined phased infrastructure improvements — running electricity and climate control to parts of the building to allow year-round access — while stating preservation would guide any modernization.
No financial offer or concrete funding commitment was presented during the public comment. Later in the public-comment period, resident Dale Mann of Georgetown asked whether the presenters had actually offered money to the county, saying the presentation "gave a pretty good presentation" but that he had not heard specifics about financial backing.
The board did not vote or direct immediate action on the proposal at the meeting; the item remained a public comment and suggestion for future consideration.
