Spec building could be built by spring

ROGERSVILLE - The Shoals Economic Development Authority will build a $1.1 million speculation building near Rogersville Industrial Park.

The 41,500-square-foot building will be constructed on seven acres that is part of a larger tract recently purchased by the town of Rogersville.

The land is at U.S. 72 and Industrial Drive, within 16 to 20 miles of Interstate 65, said Fred Patterson, chairman of SEDA's Spec Building Committee.

"We need to have a really nice building in our Lauderdale-Colbert County area," Patterson said. "We feel we need to be near U.S. 72 and close to the interstate."

He said Rogersville also is among the closest Shoals communities near industrial-rich Huntsville.

The building could be completed by April, depending on weather, Patterson said.

"Rogersville is the best fit for us right now because it's the entrance to Lauderdale County from the east," he said. "We feel this is a great thing for the whole Shoals area."

The Spec Building Committee considered all public industrial parks in the Shoals. The group consulted with the North Alabama Industrial Development Association and Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments, according to a SEDA release.

The SEDA board approved the committee's recommendation this week. Mayor Richard Herston said many groups and individuals worked together for this project.

"It's just a great day for Rogersville," Herston said. "We feel like it's a move that steps us out into the future. This is a good investment not only for Rogersville but for the whole area.

"We're kind of a gateway from the east coming into the county, and this building is going to be one of the first things people will see."

The 28-foot-tall shell building can be expanded to 80,000 square feet if needed, according to the release. The building will include two truck docks and office space.

Rogersville will extend water and sewer connections to the building.

"It's going to be very nicely built and the facade will be very nice," Patterson said. "This is something everybody in the Shoals can be proud of."

He points out spec buildings often are marketing tools for an entire area. A spec building can draw in prospects, who then could be lured to look at other areas of the Shoals.

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@TimesDaily.com.