Why hasn’t work started on the Travis Building yet?

By Italia Gregory

The Farmville Herald

Demolition of the Travis Building in downtown Farmville is in the planning phases, with work to begin soon.

“We’re in the planning processes right now, so we’re going to do something shortly,” said Farmville Town Manager Gerald Spates.

Councilman Thomas Pairet, who chairs the town’s assets and resources committee, said when the matter was last discussed, council was waiting on bids to see what the estimated cost would be to

demolish the building.

In September, the Farmville Town Council voted to purchase the vacant Travis Building in for $40,000.

Spates said the initial plan was to tear the building down and create a 25-by-160 foot green space in the current footprint of the one-level building. The area would be used as an open space for benches and greenery.

The Travis Building is located at 109 N. Main St.

According to Spates, when purchased, the building was valued at $110,000.

The town agreed to allocate $72,000 toward the project. The remaining $32,000 will be used to tear down the building, perform roof repairs on two adjacent building roofs and perform landscaping to the area once the building is demolished.

When discussing the property, council members agreed with Spates’ recommendation to demolish the structure “as soon as possible,” according to town council minutes from the Sept. 22 called meeting.

“Spates spoke on the condition of the property and the number of complaints he has received. He expressed liability concerns if the town purchased the property and did not demolish the structure,” according to the minutes

During the meeting, there were conversations on the possibility of creating a green space, a landscaped walk through or perhaps a pocket park.