Friday, January 4, 2013

Alabama's Oldest YMCA

Selma is home to Alabama's first Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)
 that was founded in 1858, and this is the oldest YMCA building still standing
 in the state. Built in 1885, the historic structure on Broad Street
 was in danger of demolition when it was purchased 
by the Selma-Dallas County Historic Preservation Society last spring. 

Today, it is undergoing stabilization so that it can be preserved for future use.
 You can see an architectural rendition and postcard of the original facade HERE. 

13 comments:

Tanya Breese said...

love it! so many different textures in this photo!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

lots of work needed but interesting indeed. ( :

Jan n Jer said...

So happy this structure is being restored. It has a place in history!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

It certainly has deteriorated such a lot from its original state Janet, lets hope they can restore and keep it going, such a good use for the building. Happy weekend.

TexWisGirl said...

a lot of color and texture there. glad they're going to save it.

EG CameraGirl said...

Well I have to say this building sure does look like it has been around a while. :)

Revrunner said...

Looks like a whale of a restoration project! But at least they start with a smart looking balcony railing. :-)

Jack said...

The building looks like it has good bones but it will cost a pretty penny to restore it. Patience, patience.

Thanks for visiting . . .

Carletta said...

A thumbs up to the society for trying to preserve it!

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Glad that they are going to restore the structure.

Sally in WA said...

Its nice that the building is being restored instead of torn down. I hope they keep the balcony railing.

Janet said...

Thanks for all the comments. This building is a long way from restoration, but the stabilization will make restoration possible.

Kate said...

Thanks for the link; obviously it is worth saving!