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.
'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.
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