Dothan may witness refurbishment of age-old school building

Can an age-old building of 106 years be rehabilitated ever? This may appear to many as an unusual and impossible concept but a group of natives of Dothan, Alabama think in a different manner.

Dothan is a city located in the southeastern corner of the U.S. state of Alabama. It also happens to be the seat of Houston County and portions of the city are in Dale County and Henry County. Besides it is the foremost city of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Geneva, Henry and Houston counties. The small portion of Dothan that lies in Dale County is part of the Enterprise–Ozark Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Let’s concentrate on the building. The building is of 106-year-old and operated for 39 years as a grammar school but it seems that it has a possible future as an assisting-living facility. In this regard Dothan native Art Mosley with partners like Joe Donofro, Chip George and Nick Nitkowski urged the Downtown Dothan Redevelopment Authority (DDRA) members to take possession of the school at the junction of East Newton and North Cherry streets. It is to be noted that the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging donated the school to the city last year.

What are the plans of the group then? It has been found that Mosley is desirous to make use of historic tax credits and private funds for the refurbishment of the building. The group would want the building turned over to them after the renovation, expected to cost upwards of $6 million.

What are the basic features of the proposed project therefore? They do include gutting the interior of the building, restoration of the interior and exterior, demolition of the out-buildings not a part of the original structure, along with replacement of all windows and the roof.

Mosley also stated, “We would attempt to get it on the National Historic Register and rebuild it based on the criteria required for such a facility.” “Elderly folks who move into these facilities pay and they pay on time. It finances easier than commercial or residential properties.”

Well, the group has found a supporter and he is none other than the City Manager Mike West who is in favor of thorough rehabilitation of the building.

“It is an opportunity to not just rehab that building, but create a catalyst,” said Joe Donofro. When will the project initiate? Nothing is confirmed yet but there are indications that it may commence at any moment.