
Some time ago, the Historic Huntsville Foundation (HHF) began negotiations with the Norfolk Southern Corporation, owners of the old M & C freight warehouse, to develop a preservation plan for the building. In order to slow deterioration as talks proceeded, HHF temporarily patched a leaky roof. But negotiations sagged and, meanwhile, the building fell into disuse. When several code violations became apparent late last year, Norfolk Southern decided to raze the depot. In fact, dismantling was already underway by the time demolition was halted at the request of HHF. Local preservationists have put together a creative preservation strategy since then, but progress is still touch-and-go. The fate of this major monument to early Alabama railroading remains uncertain as Mother Nature continues to take her toll on a landmark in limbo.