Al’s Grocery owner granted an extension to save historic store

DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — Al Robinson is scrambling to save his building, Al’s Grocery.

The City of Decatur told him he either needed to repair it or tear it down, or the city would do it for him.

The store, which was one of the last remaining businesses on Vine Street in Old Town Decatur, closed in 2005.

It was condemned in 2009, and the city’s building inspector has said it isn’t up to code, and it needs to be torn down.

Robinson has pleaded with city leaders for more time to make repairs to try and save the building.

Decatur City Councilman Billy Jackson, whose district includes Old Town, has asked fellow council members for 90 days to allow Robinson the time to bring the building back to life.

“We extend every resource that we have in other situations to preserve historic buildings, and I don’t think three months is going to make or break anything,” said Jackson.

The city council granted Robinson an additional 90 days to try and save the historic store.

Vine Street was once vibrant with a multitude of shops owned by African Americans. Most of the shops were demolished during the city’s urban renewal project during the 1970s

Robinson told News 19 that he shopped at the store, originally called Namie’s, when he was a young child, and he plans to do what he can to save it.

“That’s a landmark that if that building was gone, it means a lot in the community, it means a lot to me and it will hurt the community and it will hurt us as people if it is torn down,” said Robinson.

Robinson has not said how much he thinks it will cost to renovate the building, or where the money may come from for the renovation.

Robinson says he now has plans to secure a permit for the building.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.