One of downtown Hopkinsville’s historic buildings has been condemned after officials deemed it unsafe to enter.
The Phoenix Building located at Ninth and Main Streets was deemed condemned by the Hopkinsville Fire Department in mid-January after a structural engineer determined the building was unsafe to enter.
Mayor J.R. Knight said it was unfortunate to condemn the building but had to be done for safety reasons.
click to download audioThe Phoenix Building was built in 1812 according to city government and tourism officials. It served as an inn and bank in the 1800s and was the Phoenix Drug Store from 1910 to 1953. Other people, such as Knight, remember the location as Cassity’s Kiddie Corner.
click to download audioIn recent years, the windows were filled with signs for political candidates at election time and served as local campaign headquarters for both political parties.
Bobo Cravens, who operated a business next door, is listed as the owner of the Phoenix Building. Knight said he or his designee will have 90 days to let the City know if there are plans to make the building safe.
