Old Building To Get New Look

Fairhope, Alabama

'BICYCLE SHOP' BUILDING

A plan for renovating and expanding a 1940's vintage building located across Section street from city hall was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission.

The building has traditionally been the location of a Schwinn bicycle shop, with two generations of owner/operators living upstairs.

Joan and Robert Moore of Two Moore Llc. are requesting the mixed-use plan's approval (retail below, residences above).

City Planning Director Smith said the basement will get limited modifications, but the above ground part major structural, mechanical and electrical ones.

Smith said he thought the rehabilitation of the property would be beneficial to the downtown versus one possible alternative: its demolition.

Local historian Donnie Barrett told the Times he thought the building's design  looked "perfect" as it is -- and questioned why anyone would want to modify its appearance.

Barrett said he remembered carrying a former owner down the stairs from the top floor residence when he worked for a local ambulance company many years ago.

Barrett bought his first bicycle there as well, back in the 1950s.

The city council must still approve the plan.










Comments

Anonymous said…
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Anonymous said…
They need to worry about how that gas station by the library must look to people coming into Fairhope. Looks like a junk yard. But I forget, that guy had a campaign shindig for Kant with cheerleaders and everything.
Ben said…
Very excited to see the renovation. Building is in a key area and looks sad in current state. I respectfully disagree with historian quoted; building design is staid and unoriginal. If I owned the building I would most certainly update the appearance. Not all old things are worth preserving entirely. Granted, Fairhope has a rich history, but it is also a living town. Such towns do not categorically refuse tasteful upgrades. The blueprints look great.
Anonymous said…
I apologize if I hurt your delicate sensibilities Mr Administrator and Donnie is your friend. As I said before, Donnie needs to worry about his job at the museum. The rest of us don't want to see that tired old building anymore.

Anonymous said…
Just knock the old termite ridden thing down and start over...
Anonymous said…
The boutiqueification of Fairhope continues. The building looks "staid"? Let's make all of Fairhope a poor replica of a Pottery Barn store. However, if the owners have no respect for history, it is theirs' to tear it down or remuddle it.
Anonymous said…
I love how people spend time remodeling and modernizing their own property but get up in arms when someone want to do the same to theirs. I'm guessing most of the complaining, other than from Donnie, comes from those who recently moved here and tore down an existing house to build a new one. Hypocrites!
Anonymous said…
I'm guessing all those old junk cars at that gas station is all part of Fairhope's vintage look.