By Michael Butler

The Tallassee Redevelopment Authority has done some sprucing up around the properties of the former west side mill. The funding for the work came from the City of Tallassee.

“They gave us a grant of $8,000,” said Dr. Steve Burak, TRA chairman. “The 1852 mill is what we’re working on now. It’s pretty well cleaned up.”

Burak hopes to see development on the property in the near future. The 1852 mill is missing its roof, but Burak thinks it can be utilized.

“It’s still structurally sound. It’s a wonderful looking building. There have been thoughts about putting a hotel in there, a conference center, or turn it into some office space.”

The 1844 armory is in good condition. Burak says it is ideal for a museum at some point.

“That would be the best way to preserve it,” he said. “That doesn’t mean not to put something else in it, maybe some small restaurant. You have to have the funding to keep a museum open.

“The Talisi Historical Preservation Society has done a lot of work on it over the years. We helped them with a couple of the grants cleaning up around the mill. It doesn’t have any utilities. There would have to be bathrooms added. There have been some folks who have inquired about it.”

Burak added that the TRA is looking into Brownfields Grants to continue improvements.

“I think it’s more attractive. We can hand that to a potential investor. I’m waiting for that domino to fall.”