Published: March 21, 2008 12:30 pm         

Demolition clean-up begins

Attracting more tourists and larger conferences to Morehead is the goal of the Morehead Tourism Commission and city officials. The demolition of a longtime business district to help reach that goal began March 15.

The purchase was approved for $766,000 and the old Layne’s building, 118 East Main Street, across from city hall, is being torn down for a parking lot. Larry Breeze was approached by the tourism commission about purchasing the property.

“The purpose for the transaction was so they can knock the buildings down to construct a parking lot,” Breeze said. “The city asked if I would sell it to the conference center.”

The building has quite a history. Originally, there was a house sitting on the property. That house was built in 1920 and AD McKinney owned it, which was Bill Layne’s grandfather’s home.

During its history, the building was used for different businesses. The following businesses were in the building throughout the years: Bob Bishop’s Drug Store, a bike shop, a pet shop, McKinney’s Department Store, Judy’s Shop (clothing store), Layne’s Department Store, The Spinning Wheel, Country Class and an ice cream shop. In the rear of the building was a printing office, recruiting office and Pathways.

“Also there were apartments in the old house and upstairs there were apartments throughout,” Breeze said.

Since the construction of the Morehead Conference Center, the city has attracted different groups to host conferences. Because of limited space during conferences and events, parking was a problem for both the conference center attendees and citizens. Also the limited space limited the size and length of conferences at the center. This prompted the commission to approach Breeze about selling them the property.

“As a part of the price, the seller (Larry Breeze) is tearing down the building and cleaning up the debris,” said Mayor David Perkins.

Those who are concerned about the safety and health risks due to the disposal of the debris do not have to worry. Morehead City Council has the project under control, according to the mayor.

“We are making sure he (Larry Breeze) is following all environmental codes. We are having him bring us landfill receipts,” Perkins said. “Dickie Blair (Blair Excavating) knows what he is doing and he is doing a good job with separating what goes in the landfill.”

For Perkins, demolishing an old building is a sacrifice but improving the city’s image is very important.

“It’s a better view from here. We always hate to see old buildings go,” Perkins said. “We are willing to do anything we can do to offer a better view for our visitors and our citizens.”

The parking lot will not be just a blank lot paved with spaces. It will have landscaping as well, Perkins said.

“We are conscious of our image to the outside world,” he added.

“We want to attract conferences where people would stay overnight, which would help get services for restaurants and gas stations,” said city councilman Bill Patrick.

“They will not come here if they are bussed,” Patrick said. “I am really hoping that the conference center will be able to attract larger conferences to the city. We did not have the sufficient parking for such events.”

I hope it is successful for the conference center and for the people downtown,” Patrick said. “They can use it because it is city-owned.”

Helping downtown businesses is also a part of the goal. Having a severe lack of parking as been a handicap to downtown businesses for some time, Patrick added.

“The completion of the demolition project is expected to be finished in April,” Breeze added. “This includes the removal of all the rubble and the debris.”