A deteriorating building in a historically significant area of downtown Natchez is set to be demolished after city officials determined the structure could no longer be safely preserved.
During Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting, city leaders expressed regret over the loss of the building at the intersection of Franklin and Martin Luther King streets, an area that once served as a center of Black-owned businesses and commerce in Natchez.
Property owner John Farmer told officials the building had deteriorated beyond repair, saying there was widespread agreement that the structure could not be saved.
Although the demolition faced objections, City Attorney Jack Lazarus confirmed that the necessary legal procedures had been followed. The Board of Aldermen subsequently agreed to allow the demolition to proceed.
Mayor Dan Gibson expressed frustration over the deterioration of historic properties throughout the city, criticizing property owners who allow buildings to fall into such disrepair that demolition becomes the only remaining option.
“It is shameful, and we as a city and our citizens should do better,” Gibson said.
The Natchez Preservation Commission has also approved the demolition.
In September, aldermen authorized the temporary closure of the southbound lane of the 200 block of Martin Luther King Street to accommodate the demolition work, which is expected to require approximately two days.
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