The Lords removed items from the building

Florence couple plan to renovate old Grace church building

“We looked at it and knew it was going to be a lot of work,” Vicki Dean said Tuesday as she and her husband met at the church with contractor Avis Smith and architect David Milstead. “We knew it was not going to be cheap. When we bring it back, it’s going to last another 100 years.”

Dean said the couple purchased the 112 year old building from David Kimbrough, a local businessman who was given the church last year by the Colbert County Landmarks Foundation.

In October 2012, the building was given to the foundation by its previous owners, David and Mary Lord, who purchased the building for architectural salvage.

The Lords removed items from the building, such as the stained glass windows. Dean said she thinks the stained glass windows from the front of the building are still available and she’d like to put them back.

Milstead said once the floor is shored up, they will brace the roof trusses and repair the roof. Holes in the roof have allowed water to enter the building for years, speeding up its deterioration.

Dean said they want to clean and restore the existing wood floor, which she said still is in good shape.

Avis Smith said he and his father have renovated several old houses, and he’s ready to take on the http://www.cheapjerseys11.com/ task of restoring the old church building. Smith said he’s been inside the building several times.

“You’re not going to find anybody better than this crew,” Milstead said.

Gary Dean said they would be able to repair the leaning north wall, which has caused concern for city officials and Donna Akins, whose home is a mere 6 feet from the church.

Milstead said the wall will have to be completely removed, the foundation repaired and then rebuilt.

“When we get the wall done we can rock and roll,” Vicki Dean said. “It’s going to take a while.”

She said cheap jerseys Smith’s crew should be able to start work in about a month.

Milstead, who has been involved with the church for the past eight years, said he’s thrilled the Deans have acquired the building.

Sheffield District 1 Councilman Steve Nix said he has wanted to see someone either restore the building or tear it down. His preference would be to see it restored.