HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Extensive feedback and concerns from residents about the possible demolition of the Weber Building in downtown Hopkinsville has caused the Chrisitan County Fiscal Court to pivot. They are now laying out regulations for potential buyers to come in and turn the building into a possible restaurant, art gallery, or office space while preventing establishments like tattoo shops or bars.
In July, they announced that the 186-year-old building, the oldest standing in the city, would be declared a surplus with the intention of tearing it down due to major structural issues and safety concerns. Local code enforcement went so far as to deem the building uninhabitable with extensive termite damage, warped walls, and poor foundation.
During the Oct. 14 meeting, the magistrates passed a resolution that establishes parameters a buyer would have to meet since the property is situated within the Christian County government campus and is adjacent to active government operations and facilities.
“I am very, very interested to see the number of groups that I am assuming will come forward with these parameters,” said Squire Russ Guffy during the meeting. “So, if you’re out there and you’ve come and spoken publicly about this, we look forward to seeing you and hopefully fixing up this building.”
What the Weber Building could be: Prohibited and approved establishments
The building is located at 521 Weber Street, initially built as a residence in the 1800s. It was later turned into a law office and then a restaurant in the 1930s. The county is keeping similar parameters in mind for future buyers.
An interested buyer could use the property for only the following purposes as laid out in the resolution.
- Office use.
- Bookstore, gift shop, boutique, art gallery and similar light retail establishment.
- Restaurant.
- Cultural uses like museum, art center or community meeting spaces.
- Educational uses including classrooms and training facilities.
- Nonprofit organization offices.
- Residential uses.
- Any other use specifically approved in writing by the Christian County Fiscal Court.
The resolution prevents the building to be used for the following purposes.
- Any type of adult entertainment business.
- Smoke or vape shops.
- Liquor stores or bars.
- Payday loan or pawn shop.
- Gambling establishment.
- Tattoo or piercing parlor.
- Weapons or ammunition storage or sale.
- Industrial use.
- Anything deemed to be a public nuisance incompatible with government operations.
Magistrates voted to approve the resolution, amending it to also prohibit the building use from any type of commercial rental unit or storage facility.
The fiscal court will open up the building for bids soon and will determine the best fit for the county. Interested parties will be able to pick up a bid packet at a later date at the Christian County Courthouse.
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