MERIDIAN — A block of four buildings in downtown Meridian is for sale by its owner and bidding starts at $1, plus back taxes that total about $20,000.
The owner of the buildings, Tag Purvis, tells The Meridian Star he’s giving up on his previous dream of transforming a downtown block into condominiums, office and retail space.
“After many years away, I returned to Meridian with visions that included the development of the Baum block but that bird has flown,” Purvis said.
“However, if you’ve ever had any desire to own a city block and you imagine a charming town glistening on the hill, my hat is off to you and this could be your grand opportunity. It would be a shame to see the beautiful Baum Building go down into the dust, as has been the fate of most of Meridian’s history. But I am no longer the person for the job and the clock is ticking,” he said.
Purvis returned to Meridian several years ago to help his father, Guy Purvis in the family’s financial management business. Hoping to turn the old buildings into a thriving part of downtown, Purvis bought the block containing the former Baum building for some $175,000 about six years ago.
An architect friend drafted plans for the site, but at that time, Purvis said, the situation politically was not conducive for getting things done in a historic area.
Purvis said the preferred bidder should be a “dreamer.” He said, “No bid is laughable. All considered.”
The deadline for bids is May 1.
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