By Malcolm Butler
As the paperwork was signed Tuesday for the sale of the historic Federal Building in downtown Ruston, the owner of the Delta Biscuit Company in Monroe confirmed for the Lincoln Parish Journal that they are leaning towards bringing the popular breakfast establishment to Ruston.
Jonathan Joseph said although its not 100 percent confirmed, they are planning on bringing a restaurant to the space and that Delta Biscuit Company is at the top of the list. Delta Biscuit Company is a highly popular eating establishment located on Oliver Road in Monroe.
“We are really excited to bring that building back to its roots,” said Joseph Tuesday evening. “We love the building. We love it as a post office. We are looking to preserve as much of that as possible. We haven’t fully decided what is going to be in there yet. We do know it’s going to be a restaurant.
“We own Delta Biscuit Company, and there is a good chance that it will go in (that building). We aren’t 100 percent sure yet, but we are going to figure it out. There is also a pretty nice basement space for something as well.”
Oliver Road Investments, LLC purchased the approximately 38,000-square foot building for $210,000. The Federal Building was appraised at $230,000, but the city offered the special rate in light of the 40-plus jobs the new restaurant plans to create.
“There is something about that building,” said Joseph. “It was built in 1906, and it was built with such significance. It’s an important building in Ruston history. We are just so happy to be a part of it. It’s made out of Indiana limestone, and there is just so much history there. We are looking to preserve it. For us the lure was it is just such a historical part of Ruston.”
Ruston mayor Ronny Walker said the cooperative endeavor agreement and the purchase was signed Tuesday afternoon. He said the sale and the impending restoration and new businesses coming to the building will pay dividends for Lincoln Parish and its residents.
“Anytime we can bring a new business to Ruston, especially downtown in an iconic building that we have been wanting over the last eight year to have restored, it’s a win for everyone,” said Walker. “We have learned over the years that the more people that we can get into our city the more people are going to shop and eat out.
“If you get them here, then they are going to spend money and sales taxes are so crucial to our city, to the police jury, the sheriff’s office and the school board.”
Amy Stegall, the Main Street Director and Community Coordinator, said the rebirth of the building into the downtown main street will be impactful for the City of Ruston and its residents.
“The historic post office is one of our most treasured buildings in downtown Ruston,” said Stegall. “The significance of this building is so important to the preservation, and what we do as a main street. I am so excited for it to be back in commerce because it means people can once again enjoy the grandeur of this historic place.
“I am very appreciative that Oliver Road Investments has seen the potential, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for it.”
Joseph didn’t specify on a timeline for the restoration and occupation of the building.
