By Malcolm Butler
Ruston mayor Ronny Walker said the old federal building in downtown Ruston across from Utility Brewing Company on North Vienna Street is being sold to Oliver Road Investments, LLC.
“There is a company that is going to come in and totally restore the building, hopefully to its original grandeur,” said Walker, who said the City of Ruston bought it from the federal government seven years ago. “That’s the plan. Things could change but that is the plan.”
The structure was built in the early 1900s and served as a post office for the vast majority of its existence. However, it has been unoccupied for a number of years according to Walker.
He said the building was renovated in 1984 and most recently was used by LSU Extension, the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, and the City of Ruston.
“All of that ended about seven or eight years ago,” said Walker.
According to Walker once the renovations are complete the building will house a new restaurant.
“I can’t tell you what the name of the restaurant is, but it is something that everyone in Ruston will like,” said Walker.
Walker said the building currently appraises for around $230,000.
“It’s really in bad shape,” said Walker. “But this will take one of the iconic buildings in downtown Ruston and restore it by to its grandeur. It takes an empty building and opens it back up for commerce. This will be an incredible new venture in downtown Ruston. It is going to be a landmark.”
Walker said the sale of the building will be introduced at tonight’s City Council meeting and will be voted on at next month’s City Council meeting.
“They want to start as soon as possible, but I’m sure it will take a year and a half, maybe two years,” said Walker.
