Jacksonville is in process. That deal may facilitate the renovation of the grand old building, which sits near other historic structures that the City has occupied. In a community that has lost many of its historic buildings, this solid and imposing masonry structure would seem to be sensible to save for adaptive reuse that would capitalize on its distinctive architectural style and fine craftsmanship.
Forney Hall, a gracious brick dormitory built in the Classical Revival style in 1927, was one of four major buildings of Jacksonville State Normal School, a two-year institution that trained elementary school teachers in Jacksonville. In 1930, the school became a four-year teachers college and moved to its present campus north of the City center and Forney Hall became a dormitory for married student housing. In later years, the college grew to become Jacksonville State University. In recent years, Forney Hall has been abandoned and allowed to deteriorate. This rare survival from the college’s past (it was founded in 1883) sits vacant and forlorn today. A land swap between Jacksonville State University and the City of
Jacksonville is in process. That deal may facilitate the renovation of the grand old building, which sits near other historic structures that the City has occupied. In a community that has lost many of its historic buildings, this solid and imposing masonry structure would seem to be sensible to save for adaptive reuse that would capitalize on its distinctive architectural style and fine craftsmanship.
1 Comment
3/7/2021 04:11:20 pm
It would be nice to see that beautiful old building restored to its former glory!
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Alabama's Endangered Historic LandmarksEach year since 1994, Alabama Heritage has highlighted threatened historic sites throughout Alabama. The “Places in Peril” list has identified more than 215 imperiled historic resources throughout the state, and is compiled by the Alabama Historical Commission and the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation. The locations highlight the results of deferred maintenance, perceived obsolescence, development pressures, and lack of funding—forces that now more than ever threaten our cultural legacy. But awareness is a powerful force, too, and can cultivate a renewed determination to be responsible stewards of our heritage. For more information, visit the AHC or the ATHP websites. Alabama Heritage is proud to bring to you a selection of the places designated as perilous. Please keep your comments to information relevant to the featured place in peril. Alabama Heritage reserves the right to delete any comment that we deem inappropriate. Archives
April 2022
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