BRENHAM BUILDING AND STANDARDS HEARS FROM POTENTIAL BUYER

  

The Brenham Building and Standards Commission heard from a potential buyer of the old St. Anthony Laundry Building during their meeting today (Wednesday).

John Elford, the owner of Elford Building Corporation, told the Commission that he has submitted a letter of intent to buy the historical building.

The St. Anthony Laundry Building is currently owned by Kent Brownell and Mary Corona. The building has sustained weather damage due to holes where windows used to be located. After years of exposure, the roof collapsed causing the building to be classified as an “unsafe structure”.

The Commission said they would give Elford a six weeks probation period once he became the owner to begin work to make the building structurally sound. Once the six week period is over, the Commission would meet again for another public hearing to consider the progress on the structure.

Elford said at that time he would present the Commission with a detailed plan in order for there to be a measurable progress report for the building. The Commission emphasized that they are not asking for a total remodel, but for the building to be structurally sound and up to code.

Elford says he plans on living in the top floor of the building, while potentially renovating the lower level for commercial entertainment or retail shops.

Doug Price, the Executive Director of the Brenham Heritage Museum, spoke at the public hearing. Price commended the City of Brenham, the Building and Standards Commission, and John Elford for their commitment to the preservation of historical sites.