History on the move
MADISON — A house from the early 1900s was moved from the corner of Madison Avenue and Magnolia Street last week to a new location as part of a project to restore and renovate historic buildings downtown.
The building, constructed by Mr. R. B. Price, most recently housed Rock’s Barber and Style before being moved north up Magnolia Street to be a part of The Magnolia District project.
The project began in 2004 through the efforts of Madison Developer Greg Johnston and his parents, Brent and Cynthia Johnston, to restore historic buildings and recreate historically accurate new buildings.
Once renovated, the R. B. Price house will serve as a law office for Madison Attorney Matt Baldridge. It is the third historic building in the area being preserved by Johnston as his work continues on The Magnolia District.
Johnston’s office, one of the relocated historic buildings, is situated in the heart of the district in a cottage-style house built in 1903, which has been in his family since 1972.
“I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to express my passion for development and construction on a project that I have a lifelong, personal connection with,” Johnston said.
The Magnolia District project is bringing Class A professional office space, high-quality local retailers, and fine dining to the area.
Developers plan to use the open space where the historic buildings used to stand for future restaurants, retail, and professional offices. Construction is now underway on the first two buildings, one of which being The Foxtail Restaurant, a Mediterranean fine dining establishment. Johnston’s construction company, Old Town Construction of Madison, is serving as the general contractor on the project.
Johnston’s development partner Chuck Bell said the rich history and beauty of The Magnolia District site make the project unique.
“I love history and I think we have the opportunity to create an environment that offers modern amenities in a warm, historically-inspired setting,” Bell said.
Developers are working closely with the City of Madison to make sure The Magnolia District will blend seamlessly with the Madison at Main development that the city has planned for its adjacent property.
Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler said she is pleased to see the historic buildings being preserved.
“I am glad to see all the activity at The Magnolia District, and I know this will be a wonderful addition to downtown Madison,” Hawkins-Butler said.
The City of Madison is also currently renovating the old Madison-Ridgeland High School building across the street from The Magnolia District. Once renovations are complete, the high school building will serve as Madison’s new City Hall.
For more information about The Magnolia District, call Greg Johnston at 601-832-9955.