The last of the old K’s Merchandise buildings is going down in Decatur. The only thing remaining is the elevator shaft – who knew that building had modern conveniences like elevators inside of it? The way the city talked about the condition of the building, I had the impression it was lit by candles and oil lamps! I’ve been watching this building go down over the past couple of months and I’ve come to the conclusion that it was kind of a waste to tear it down. I doubt that anyone else is going to erect a seven story building to replace it in downtown Decatur – I could be wrong but it would have been great if that building could have been remodeled. I thought it was some ratty, ramshackle building about to cave in on itself but it hardly looked in danger to collapsing to me, once I saw the guts of it. I think a nuclear bomb would have had a hard time knocking it down. Oh well, it’s too late now!
One thing I’ve noticed that I really like, since the buildings have come down, is that the once hidden part of Haines & Essick’s building can now be seen and with a little sprucing up – it’ll look great! I love the old fashioned arched windows and architecture!
Here’s the new building going up – not that impressive looking if you ask me, but it beats looking at abandoned storefronts and boarded up windows! I’m hard to please. I guess it’ll grow on me!
