WEST POINT — Nearly four years ago, a Mississippi Main Street charrette team suggested a use for a vacant downtown West Point building donated to the city: Convert it into an artist studio and gallery.
On Tuesday, city selectmen pursued that vision. They intend to issue $460,000 in general obligation bonds to remodel the old McClure Furniture building, located at 235 Commerce Street in downtown West Point, into an arts and community center.
They approved to publish notices of intent during their monthly meeting and will hold a public hearing next month before officially going forward. They also approved a proposal to have local contractor Henson Construction perform the renovations after it submitted the lowest qualified bid of $425,550.
West Point Mayor Robbie Robinson said the city would be able to do some of the remodeling itself, including plumbing and electrical work as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning installation.
“This building is owned by the city and will be used by the community for purposes of community meetings and the arts,” Robinson said. “It’s going to be a great asset to the city and the downtown area.”
The building was built in 1894. It was donated to the city in recent years by the McClure family.
Selectmen also selected consulting firm Butler Snow as bond counsel.
Nathan Gregory covers city and county government for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.