by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
The City’s inspection of its proposed new City Hall Annex is just beginning and speculation as to the building’s future range from it being radically renovated to razed and replaced.
Public Works spokesperson Marcy Cook said the City hired design firm Rink Reynolds Fisher Diamond & Fisher last month to inspect the 61,000-square-foot Haverty’s Building at the corner of Laura and Duval streets and create a new design.
She said the recommendation made by the firm would help guide the City towards the logical next step: does it move its employees in or not?
“All I can say is that we are looking at all of the options,” Cook said. “As part of our due diligence with any project we have to explore every angle. With respect to the Haverty’s Building that includes renovating and, yes, the possibility of building a new building in its place.
“We’re obligated to answer every question before we can move forward in either direction.”
Cook declined to speculate on what the design team would conclude and no formal deadline has been established.
“We’re taking it one step at a time,” she said. “Rink Reynolds knows what they’re doing and we trust they will make a sound recommendation.”
Cook added that recommendation would not be binding and, even if the firm concludes the building’s renovation could prove more costly than other options, it could avoid being demolished.
Among those awaiting that recommendation are City Council member Suzanne Jenkins, who represents a large portion of downtown. Jenkins said she’ll do whatever it takes to save the landmark.
“I, in no way, support tearing down the building. I don’t care what it costs,” Jenkins said. “It wouldn’t be right if we were to let it be torn up.”
The Haverty’s Building, one of the many downtown structures designed by noted architect Henry Klutho, has lain dormant for years. During that time, its former owner Philip Browning, principal of Atlanta-based Striton Realty, refused to sell. Browning, who has held the building’s title for more than 17 years, opted instead to let it whither while property values downtown continue to climb.
Finally last year the City made a move to condemn the buidling and later offered $1.98 million — the appraised value — to take ownership. Browning declined the offer and continued to demand upwards of $5 million. An administrative judge later got involved, ultimately ruling that $1.8 million was a fair settlement.
An appellant hearing to resolve the long running dispute has been scheduled for November.