Another Historic Building Demolition Begins

Fairhope, Alabama 

Updated: New demolition photos added on Feb. 4th.



412 Fairhope Avenue

 

DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT

Demolition of a building constructed on Fairhope Avenue in 1903 has begun; it will be replaced by a three story, mixed-use commercial/residential one approved last spring. (See here)

The clay city tile structure once served as the city's first hospital and a barber shop, according to historical district survey records. 

NEW PRESERVATION PUSH COMING?

The Times has learned city historical preservation committee members met recently with a representative from the state to revive the long-dormant push for a preservation commission here per state guidelines. 

A presentation is to be made to the city council in March; three council votes will be needed to enact it.

 


February 4th demolition.

 

Old building.

New building plan.


 

Comments

Anonymous said…
Sad, but some of these buildings are not fit to be "remodeled". I hate to see so many of the downtown/residential areas going under the gun but just not feasible to restore. I only wished/hope, they would replace something that is compatible with existing structures instead of modern high rise..
Anonymous said…
I hate to see old historic buildings come down. But what I hate more is when they are replaced by a monolithic structure that is totally out of the architectural character of the surrounding.
Anonymous said…
Property owners should not be restricted from updating their buildings/businesses. This place is/has been a dump for at least a decade. The old hardware store on the corner of Fairhope & Church is another apparent teardown, despite the efforts of purchasers and architecture firms that tried valiantly to save it. Very little that was built in this climate many decades ago (on the cheap) would be insurable today (imho). I look at this as a firewall between the two adjacent buildings. Fairhope is growing and changing and there is little value in sentiment for decaying infrastructure in our downtown. I, for one, am excited to see new investment and creativity downtown.
Anonymous said…
Sure, let's just bulldoze the whole town then and replace it with Maacmansions and Mcbuildings for the developers and realtors to get rich off of!
Anonymous said…
I believe the replacement of this building is not a concern of most citizens of Fairhope. What people need to know is a select few make the decisions.... and the the people who make these decisions are influenced by developers with money. Money always wins. The elected officials want improvements which increase property values. Thus in turn increases property tax revenue.
Anonymous said…
The Single Tax Corporation is behind the demolition of the old town.