Tillman House
Last week, I promised to tell the story of the Tillman House this week.
As many know, the building next to The News office used to be the Tillman House Restaurant. The most recent owner was Ben Tillman, a wonderful young man who was an excellent restaurateur and all around good person. He was friendly, and made friends far and wide, as locals and out-of-towners felt welcome to come share a meal. He was against the bypass being built, because he knew he attracted many passers-through.
Ben died a tragic death five years ago.
Long story short, I had the opportunity to buy the building from the county about two years ago, and did so. With a tax sale, there are certain procedures you must go through to get a clear title. I was under the impression you had to wait a year, and being the procrastinator I am, I waited longer than that. Then I proceeded to take the legal steps to have a clear title to the building.
It is now mine.
Many think it needs to be torn down. Many appreciate the historic building. I’m among the latter. So, I am now in the process of fixing the building up to move the newspaper office over there.
The News office has been in its current location many decades, and I have always rented the building. Recently, the building went on the market, and as soon as this week I shall have a new landlord, I believe.
But, I made my plans to move before turning down the opportunity to buy this building. It’s a little bittersweet, leaving this long time home, but as someone said, I’m not going far.
It’s just a smart move. It will be double the room, and it belongs to me. I tore the kitchen off the building first, and have been working at tearing out stuff so I can put in modern wiring, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning. Some may have noticed that I’ve taken off the old siding. This week we are pressure washing, and I plan to paint the old wood on the building, restoring it to its original beauty. I will have an open house when we get through, so all who want can come see.
The basics of the building are not changing…just no commercial kitchen, and offices instead of dining rooms. I have lots of decisions ahead, such as colors, light fixtures, furniture, etc., so I may be a bit stressed in the coming weeks, but I’m also very excited.
So, to all of you who hoped I would re-open the Tillman House as a restaurant, sorry. It’s not to be. But, it will be a beautiful newspaper office, and I hope everyone comes to visit when it’s completed.