Demolition Permit Issued For Historic Downtown Building

Posted by Publisher on

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com 

 

 


 

OLD FAIRHOPE HARDWARE/PEOPLES COOPERATIVE

A demolition permit has been issued for the former Fairhope Hardware Store at 301 Fairhope Avenue; demo work should begin in about two weeks with completion before mid-November according to city building official Eric Cortinas. The roof has collapsed and it could become a danger to pedestrians on the sidewalk, according to city officials.

Current owner Sildi, Llc's. latest plans for the site are to be reviewed at upcoming planning meetings;  their 2024 plan including a hotel and restaurant never made it through the city's approval process.

Another former owner's proposed restoration plan failed in 2022, due to lack of financial support.


2022 proposal failed.


2024 proposal also failed.


Location: Fairhope, AL 36532, USA

Comments

Anonymous said…
Give the new owners a break. They are proposing a beautiful addition to downtown. We can’t let the naysayers dictate progress especially when it adds value to the area.
Monday, September 22, 2025
Anonymous said…
It is a shame to see this historic building being demolished, but I can totally understand the danger of it.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Anonymous said…
Good we are scared to walk by it.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Anonymous said…
Such a terrible shame to see this important historic building, site of the People's Cooperative Store, fall into such disrepair that demolition is the only option. Fairhope's toothless historic preservation ordinance needs to be strengthened with a provision penalizing demolition by neglect. Building owners need to be held accountable, and such provisions (standard in most preservation ordinances) incentivize them to either keep their properties in good repair or sell to someone who will. We shouldn't have to wait for the ceiling to fall in before someone takes action. Sad to see this important piece of Fairhope history meet such an ignominious end. :(
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Anonymous said…
What will become of the empty lot? Let the owners put up a new building regardless of the inability to create more parking spots.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Anonymous said…
a new plan is coming as the article said.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Anonymous said…
they all have to follow the rules and regs on the books like everyone else. no breaks!
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Anonymous said…
I like the current plan and think it would be a wonderful addition to our beautiful downtown. There's plenty of parking around here if you aren't afraid to walk sometimes.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Anonymous said…
Can the wall with the mural be saved?
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Anonymous said…
To all the people who had a desire to save this building, you had the right to purchase it when it was for sale. But, you didn’t. So, now you can’t dictate what the new owners do as long as it meets city guidelines. If there is a group of people who seeks preservation of “historic” properties then they should pool their resources and buy any and all “Historic” properties that come up for sale to include commercial and residential. But until you do, please stop telling others how you would like them to build or remodel properties they legally purchased. Thank you.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Anonymous said…
One less eyesore
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Anonymous said…
I could not agree more. People are so quick to put in their 2cents of an opinion but never any real money to back it up.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Anonymous said…
When you get beyond the rot and neglect of this building, let’s extend this to residences even in the “desirable” areas of Fairhope. Rotten roofs, moldy structures, weeds, junk cars, generally unkempt homes. No more pride of home ownership.
Let’s strengthen the preservation efforts but let’s also strengthen code enforcement in neighborhoods or we’ll become another “blighted town” soon.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Anonymous said…
Great comment about code enforcement. Embarrassing what some of the residential properties look like in the downtown area.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Anonymous said…
Will be American Legion building be next
Friday, September 26, 2025
Anonymous said…
yes, maybe. the club has been unable to raise the needed revenue for repairs ...
Friday, September 26, 2025
Anonymous said…
Fairhope needs an additional mid-range hotel option. There is a huge pricing gap between the Hampton Inn and the Grand Hotel
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Anonymous said…
A lot of tourists come to Fairhope because they like the charming historic look of our downtown. Whatever it is, I hope the new structure is designed to respect existing buildings. Historic boutique hotels or at least historic looking boutique hotels are very popular.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Anonymous said…
Good Grief! Charlie Brown!
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Anonymous said…
Tourists also love souvenir shops, upside down houses, wax museums, go kart tracks, street performers, and any number of things that would diminish our quality of life. I'm happy to have tourist sales tax revenue, but our first governing principle should be to serve the people who are born here, live here, serve here, work here, and die here.
Thursday, October 02, 2025
Anonymous said…
Amen!
Thursday, October 02, 2025
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