Holly Springs Considers Future of Aging Historic Town Hall Annex Building Amid Structural Concerns
Decades of wear and tear have led to significant structural issues requiring immediate and costly attention.
Holly Springs, NC, Mar. 13, 2025 — The future of the historic Town Hall Annex is uncertain as town officials weigh options for the aging structure, which has stood for more than a century but now faces significant structural challenges.
During a recent Town Council Workshop Meeting, officials reviewed an engineering assessment that presented three possible paths forward: renovation, total replacement, or demolition. The discussion came after the building was labeled unsafe in compliance with building codes, prompting the relocation of town staff in February.
A Century of Service
The 109-year-old building has a storied past, having housed a pharmacy, an auto shop, a police station, a co-working space, and most recently, the IT and Parks & Recreation departments. However, decades of wear and tear have taken their toll, leading to significant structural issues that now require immediate attention.
The Cost of Keeping the Annex
The engineering report outlined the high costs of renovation, estimating repairs would start at $1.16 million—a figure that already exceeds the building’s insured value of $1 million. Officials also expressed concerns that once renovations begin, additional hidden issues could drive costs even higher.
Replacing the annex with a new facility is another possibility. Based on local and national construction data, a new building of similar size could cost between $1.6 million and $2.6 million, depending on design and materials.
The most cost-effective solution—demolition—would carry an estimated price tag of $100,000. However, this option raises further questions about what would be built in its place and how that decision fits into the broader downtown development strategy.
A Historic Decision?
The State Historic Preservation Office confirmed that while there was an effort to list the building on the historic registry in the 1990s, the process was never completed. This means the final decision rests solely with the Town of Holly Springs.
What’s Next?
At the meeting, town staff recommended moving forward with demolition while seeking guidance from the council on whether to replace the building with a similar or expanded footprint. Some council members suggested aligning the decision with future downtown redevelopment projects to ensure the best use of town resources.
No final decision was made during the workshop, but officials acknowledged the need for prompt action. The council will continue evaluating the options, balancing cost, community impact, and long-term planning before making a final decision.