DDA wants 3-year wait on Oxford building

Calling the possibilities for the future use of the building “endless,” Hill reminded the council of the building’s history — as a harness shop, grocery store, bank, city hall and manufacturing building, and asked that the city recognize the building’s “historic value.”

The physical condition of the building, located on State Street across a parking lot from Little-Ward Funeral Home, is unclear.

Hill cited a report from several years ago that said the building was then structurally sound and told the council that such buildings are being rehabilitated in towns across the state.

“The floors are not intact. The roof is not intact. I’m a little concerned about the front facade falling off,” commented city manager Clarence Bryant.

Presumably, the 36-month delay would give some hope that the economy might improve enough for the city to find someone willing to take on the building.

“Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever and you can’t build it back,” Hill declared.

Also a consideration is the security of the building. Councilman Johnny Eubanks reminded the council that there have been a couple of fires in the building, which has also been used by homeless people at times and entered by kids.

“The building has got to be secured,” Bryant remarked.

“We want to have an opportunity to see if it’s structurally sound,” Hill said.

“We don’t have the money to take it down,” Mark Fitzpatrick noted, “but we don’t want to tie our hands for three years either.”

Mayor Charles L. Hardy Jr., who was not present, and Bryant have both expressed the opinion that the best course of action would be to raze the building and enlarge the parking area. On Monday, Hill said that action would jeopardize the city’s chances of getting grants for projects in the area.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.