Inspector must rule on demolition of buildings

Terry Key said his buildings at 150 and 164 East Main Street are dilapidated, dangerous and need to come down.

But before the Historic Preservation Commission will agree to it, they want the building inspector to have a look since one of the properties is considered a contributing structure to the downtown area.

Both buildings were constructed prior to 1903, but Key said neither have “any historical significance whatsoever” and they have significant termite damage.

City of Dothan Planning Director Todd McDonald said the code is very clear about the demolition of any structure.

“There has to be a determination by the building inspector, that it is a danger to public safety. That determination hasn’t been made. And there has been no request. The inspector wants a structural engineer to weigh in on it.”

Adjoining property owner Louise Motzenbecker of A Place to Renew also wants to weigh in on it. She is concerned about any potential damage to her building.

The property will become a private parking lot. Key said the wall is a good site for a mural.

“It will enhance her property,” he said. “I don’t need a structural engineer to tell me that.”

Motzenbecker said she is not against the demolition. “My only concern, my building is an old building also. When they go to take down that building, is mine structurally sound?”

She wanted to know who would bear the expense of the exterior wall. Downtown Dothan Redevelopment Authority Chairman James Grant said the exterior wall remains the property of Key.

“I have invested a lot of blood, sweat and tears. I am a landlord and a tenant. There are people doing business there. If something happens to that wall, it is my income, it is their income(that would be lost),” she said. “For 100 years that wall had someone to lean against. Those bricks are very soft.”

Key said he is tired of maintaining the buildings. “It’s a dump,” he said.

Demolition approval was tabled.

In other business, the group approved the demolition of a brick building behind the old SouthTrust Bank on East Main. Officials said the building is falling in.

The former bank has been purchased by Keith Givens and will be converted to offices.