Each time I come to work, I am constantly reminded and amazed at the transformation happening along Water Avenue. From the Selma Interpretive Center that has become an absolute jewel in Selma’s downtown on one side and the renovated Carneal Building on the other end, Water Avenue is quickly becoming a symbol for a revitalized downtown.

But while there are great successes in downtown development and work, there are just as many areas of disappointment.

Two that come to mind are the Teppers Building and the old YMCA building, two longstanding icons of Selma’s downtown that have become serious eyesores and problems.

Since returning to Selma, the Teppers Building, which was once a retail magnet in Selma, has been wrapped in construction tarps, tarps that recently partially blew off during a heavy storm.

And, the old YMCA building next to Swift Drugs, has not only become painful to look at, it has started causing serious safety concerns for its neighbors.

These two buildings are just two prime examples of what poor ownership and lack of attention over the years can do to once proud buildings.

It was not that long ago, we saw the demise of the Phoenix building along Water Avenue, which is now the site of a beautiful green space and park.

But, each time we lose a building like the Phoenix building or Hotel Albert, we lose a little bit of our history and our identity.

I can only hope the owners of these buildings understand these structures are not just properties that are part of a portfolio, but are rather a part of our city’s heart and soul.

These buildings deserve to be restored, taken care of or sold to someone who has the wherewithal and passion to see them returned to glory.

I know such restoration does not come cheap, but to lose these buildings of such historic significance is a cost I don’t believe the city of Selma can afford.