Abbeville council votes to accept old bank building, cultural center from police jury

Unless the Vermilion Parish Police Jury changes its mind, the city of Abbeville is set to take ownership of two new buildings by May 1.
The city council approved the agreement by a 3-1 vote, accepting the police jury’s offer concerning the two buildings in Abbeville.
The police jury is expected to vote on transferring ownership of the two buildings to the city of Abbeville at its meeting on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the courthouse.
Six months ago, the police jury proposed that the city assume ownership of the former Hibernia Bank building on Charity Street and the old library building downtown.
The sole condition for Abbeville to accept the offer is that the Sheriff’s Office may continue to house its detective unit on the third floor of the bank building at no cost.
If the city agrees, the police jury will transfer both buildings, valued at over $1 million combined, at no cost.
Before proceeding, the city council engaged David Hamer of Vermilion Architects, LLC, to inspect the building and provide cost estimates for necessary repairs and full restoration.
Hamer presented a slideshow to the council and Mayor Roslyn White, detailing photos and cost estimates for repairs, including windows, eight rooftop air conditioning units, and water leak remediation.
He divided the project into two phases.

Phase One

Phase One addresses immediate needs, with an estimated cost of $605,000 and includes the following repairs:

• Repair sinking foundation ($45,000)
• Reseal the third-floor wall and all third-floor windows ($275,000)
• Repair the flashing and roof ($24,000)
• Wall repair ($20,000)
• Repair columns ($55,000)
• Replace two 12-ton air conditioning units and repair the remaining five units ($75,000)
• Replace 26 windows and repair exterior stucco ($116,000)

Phase Two

Phase Two is estimated to cost $445,000.
• This includes purchasing five new 12-ton rooftop air conditioning units.
• Restoration of the architectural stucco design on the building’s exterior ($260,000).
The total cost for both phases ranges from $1 million to $1.5 million, depending on the extent of repairs the city chooses to undertake.
Hamer concluded that, based on his assessment without removing the exterior stucco, the building’s structural framework appears to be in good condition.
. “To summarize, the property at 407 Charity Street presents a unique opportunity for the City, but it is one that carries significant immediate financial and legal obligations. The City must recognize that the $560,000 appraised value is only the starting point of the investment.
“Our assessment identifies approximately $740,000 in essential and proactive capital repairs and $260,000 of optional repairs required to stop active water intrusion, stabilize the foundation, and bring the building into compliance with life safety and ADA codes. While the visible portions of the primary steel and masonry frame appear structurally sound, a definitive assessment is not possible as much of the framing remains concealed. Furthermore, its systems and envelope require a significant program of restorative maintenance. There is always the possibility of additional costs arising with the structure when remediation begins.
“Additionally, there is the cost for the renovation schemes, which could be upwards of $637,000.00.
“The decision to pursue this acquisition should be made with the understanding that to transform this building into a safe, legal, and functional municipal workspace, the City will need to commit to a multi-phased restoration plan. Acting on the essential repairs in Phase One will protect the building’s current value and prevent further interior deterioration.”