Clay County Group to Demolish and Rebuild Vacant Downtown Eyesore into Boutique Hotel

By: Staff Report

Mountain Buzz

After two decades of vacancy, the long-abandoned building at 12 Herbert Street will soon be demolished and rebuilt as a boutique hotel and retail hub, the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) announced in a letter to the editor published today.

The nonprofit purchased the property with the original intent of renovating the 1940s-era structure to fit its mission of spurring economic growth in downtown Hayesville. However, extensive structural engineering studies revealed the building’s condition made renovation infeasible.

“Due to numerous structural issues, worker safety concerns, and cost issues, the only way to move forward is to demolish the existing structure and ‘re-create it,’” the letter stated. The new building will replicate the original 1940s exterior façade while featuring a fully modern interior that meets current building codes.

The approach is projected to save approximately $300,000 compared to renovation attempts and will result in a safer, more stable structure. Demolition and reconstruction are also expected to cause less traffic disruption than a prolonged renovation.

CCCRA estimates the project will take nine months to a year to complete. Once finished, the development is expected to provide an economic boost to Hayesville and Clay County while enhancing the aesthetic of the town square.

Anyone with questions or concerns about the project is invited to contact CCCRA Committee Chair Paul Price at 770-403-5170 or Tony Wiegold at 828-361-6803.

The letter was signed by CCCRA Treasurer Doug Canup.