New Albany Council Weights Historic Building’s Future
The New Albany City Council will Monday give a final vote on a proposal to restore a historic building in the city’s downtown. If approved, the Reisz Furniture Building would be transformed into the new city hall.
The building, which was constructed in 1852, has sat vacant for several decades. The city says no buyer or tenant had been found during that time to restore the building and the project will save millions of dollars over time.
The News and Tribune in Jeffersonville reports the city will pay $575,000 annually for 15 years, at which point the city will take over ownership of the building. The property is currently owned by Denton Floyd Real Estate Group, which will oversee the building’s rehabilitation, according to the publication.
"We have put together a plan that saves the historic building and puts it back into service as a new city building," Mayor Jeff Gahan said. "We will consolidate operations, repair a special building that has fallen into a blighted condition, and promote economic growth in our downtown. The new Main Street location will allow for ease of access for both city employees and the citizens of New Albany."
Gahan says, when the project is complete, the city will have a new, modern city hall instead of throwing away tax dollars on rent.