By Staff
Tracy L. Brady, Hartselle Enquirer
In with the new
Growth and technology upgrades have required two Hartselle services to build new homes within the past year.
As Hartselle Utilities left its home on Sparkman Street, a piece of the town's history was left behind.
The former home to a post office, television cable office, WHRT radio, and farmer's loan association, the building is as rich in memories as it is in structural beauty.
The Agricultural Service Center on Chestnut Street was built more than 25 years ago atop a once visible city landmark-the old mule barn. The new building housed up to seven different agencies and community services.
According to Mayor Clif Knight, the city has no current need for either of the buildings and each has been listed for sale with local realties.
As the old saying goes, "One man's junk is another man's treasure."
So it goes with these city buildings.
Local realtors see treasures in both buildings and are actively seeking potential buyers to preserve their history and promote economic growth in the community.
Hartselle Utilities
Originally the Hartselle Post Office, the former Hartselle Utilities building in downtown is for sale.
Built in 1939, the building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and, according to ReMax realtor Gloria Robertson, would be perfect for a restaurant, art gallery, antique mall or professional building.
"The original details of the building that are still intact are what make it so unique," Robertson said. "It needs some renovations, but mostly it just needs the right buyer to realize its potential."
The "original details" Robertson referred to are the original solid wood bulletin boards and doors, terrazzo flooring and 14 foot ceilings in the lobby; catwalk observation area in the postmaster's office; a spiral staircase leading from basement to main level; and an operable vault.
The main level of the building measures 3936 square feet. As is, the main level contains a lobby with counter area, four offices, conference room, open workroom with office cubicles, a vault, drive-thru window area and five half-bathrooms, but Robertson said the area could be easily remodeled without causing harm to the structure.
The lower basement level measures 3535 square feet. It contains five offices, a training room, storage room, break room, and kitchen area.
However, ReMax realtor Mark Hampton remembers another use for the basement.
"When I was a child, this basement was used by the city as a fallout shelter," Hampton said. "I was always scared that it would be full by the time I got here."
With exception of the drive-thru, the entire building is centrally heated and cooled and has approximately 50 paved parking spaces.
The city is asking $320,000 for the building. Since it is listed in the National Register, the building may be eligible for certain federal tax provisions and may qualify for federal grants for historic preservation when funds are available.
Agricultural Service Center
Better known to Hartselle residents as the "Old Ag. Building," the former home of the Agricultural Service Center, located at 400 Chestnut St. in downtown Hartselle, is also for sale.
Built for commercial use in 1975, the building is 11,600 square feet and offers 51 paved parking spaces.
"It also has 32 offices and at least 10 bathrooms," Curtis, Powell &Hill Properties realtor Maxine Curtis said. "The metal walls are removable and may be easily rearranged for a number of uses without harming the structure."
Curtis said the building has been vacant for one year and needs only a few minor repairs.
"It's just ready for someone to move into and set up business," Curtis said. "With easy access to downtown shopping and the post office, this building is just right for retail or professional offices."
The city is asking $175,000 for the building.