Wetumpka’s Downtown Revitalization Project Begins With Demolition Of 2 Historic Buildings
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After years in the works, the city of Wetumpka has officially started the first phase of its downtown revitalization project. Two historic buildings are being demolished as we speak… The project is kicking off by tearing down two historic buildings right here on Court Street in downtown Wetumpka. It’s is considered one of the oldest blocks in the state, but the cost to restore the buildings would cost too much. The signs are up snd demolition is happening now. The buildings used to be a funeral home and an upholstery shop. Now, they’re being torn down. Efforts were made to preserve them, but the restoration would’ve cost about $1 million, compared to $200,000 to tear them down. Alabama News Network toured the buildings back in 2013. When we walked inside, there was so much mold, we had to wear masks. The floors were spongy, even missing; some of the Brick walls were crumbled. Now, this hopes to be the future of Court Street — a courtyard similar to one in downtown Gadsden. “Our plan is to recreate that sense of space with some trees, brick columns and possibly some rod iron fencing to create a court yard, host events, have get-togethers,” Said Vanessa Lynch with the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce. “I would rather go downtown and grab a hamburger and a coke and sit out there under the trees and enjoy it than worry about walking down a sidewalk and a brick hitting you on the head,” Said Wetumpka resident, Frank Bertarelli. Work on the Chamber of Commerce will also begin in the coming weeks. It will be expanded. But sounds of construction will take over downtown next week on another part of the project. The city will begin improvements on streetscapes and replace water pipes that haven’t been changed since the early 1900’s. “Streets are going to be torn up, the storm water and drains put in, sewage, water, lighting, but the end project. At the end of the day when this thing is completed, you’ll see a total different look downtown,” Said Wetumpka Mayor, Jerry Willis. City leaders hope this phase of the construction will be done by the end of the year so they’re asking folks to be patient. Mayor Willis says the whole point of this project is to bring jobs and fill up empty buildings in downtown. And it’s already happening — the historic Fain Theater was just bought. It’ll be turned into a pub-like restaurant. Streetscape improvements begin January 12th. There are 3 phases to the entire revitalization project. The first phase will cost about $3 million.
