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City clears way for new Water Department building
Published Thursday, February 4, 2010
The City of Greenville demolished buildings next to the water department Wednesday. The demolition intends to clear space for a newer, more accommodating building for the water department.
However, Mayor Dexter McLendon said they are still in the early stages of relocating the aging water department.
"We're not there yet," McLendon said. "It's a good time of year, here during the winter months, to go ahead and get the spot cleared."
Joby Norman, chairman of the Water Works and Sewer Board, said money is holding the plan up.
"We put out bids for the construction but everything came back too high," Norman said. "We made a few changes to the plan, and we are fixing to put out another bid reflecting the change."
The current water department building, Norman said, is over 80 years old. Over the years it has served as a city library and chamber of commerce before the water department located there.
Two buildings were demolished to make room for the construction. Both the former State Farm insurance buildings and the other, a dentist's office, were purchased by the water department in preparation of the move.
"This month we will hopefully get things moving again and make more progress at our next meeting in February," Norman said.
The Water and Sewer board meets at the end of each month.
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Posted by BF2C1 (anonymous) on February 4, 2010 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The dentist office was that of Dr. William Hopkins Sr. and later used by his son Dr.William 'Billy' Hopkins Jr. Dr. William Hamilton moved into the office after Dr. Hopkins retired and has since moved next door into the old Electro-Music building.
Those that salvaged parts of the interior of the building claimed that the building was in excellent shape and should not have been torn down. But that is progress.
Posted by BF2C1 (anonymous) on February 4, 2010 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A Correction:
Dr. William 'Billy' Beeland Hopkins's father was Dr. Samuel Benjamin Hopkins.
Posted by BF2C1 (anonymous) on February 4, 2010 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is my understanding that the city of Greenville now owns the old Boss or Regal Hat factory on East Commerce Street.
I believe that the building is to far gone to save. Much of the roof has collapsed and many of the windows have been broken out. The place is an embarrassment for the entire community. But rats and pigeons seem to really take to the place. No telling what diseases they may be carrying.
This thing would be a perfect target for a contractor with a 'wrecking ball'.
Just watch how fast our elected city officials take on getting it removed.
Posted by Elybesa (anonymous) on February 4, 2010 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good information, BF2C1; and amen to your comments about the old hat factory building.
I just hope our City Fathers will see fit to save the little library building. It's such a quaint building and would be perfect for a neat little gift shop.
Posted by Elybesa (anonymous) on February 4, 2010 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Besides all that, the library building is a part of Greenville's history.
Posted by BF2C1 (anonymous) on February 4, 2010 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Most of the 'old timers' will remember the hat factory as the Merrimac Hat Factory. I believe that Regal made gloves.
The structure was built in the late 30's or early 40's.
Have heard that the city of Greenville has 'neglected' the old library on Cedar Street. So it may go the way of the beautiful water fountain that was in Confederate Park across from city hall. It is also gone because of neglect.
We have some 'progressive thinkers' in city government.
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