In October, the Columbia Tribune updated readers on the development — or rather the lack of development of — the Heibel-March Building. Built in 1927, once again the brick structure faces an uncertain future. The building was named to Columbia’s Notable Properties list in 2005.
Could the problem be no one has tried to put the building to work? As Deb Sheals, a historic consultant says, saving a building requires putting it to work. But several of the plans in the past had nonprofits trying to make the building fit in with their plans. Unfortunately, the last commercial plan for the building fell through when the developer died.
For now, the building is simply out of work and time is taking its toll.
Below is a newspaper article that outlines the history of plans for the building.
Oct. 23, 2011 — Plans for Heibel-March building stagnate — Columbia Tribune. Building at Rangeline and Wilkes Boulevard is still awaiting renovation. Several other plans to renovate the plans have fallen through.
Dec. 8, 2010, Historic Preservation Commission endorses Heibel-March purchase, Columbia Daily Tribune.
Dec. 7, 2010, Historic Preservation Commission votes to keep Heibel-March Building alive, Columbia Missourian.