The Trouble at the Tabor House

During their recent meetings, the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners brought up discussion of what to do with the Tabor House.

The building is in advanced disrepair and the Commissioners are seeking options. One interested party has already been looking into the building as a historical building, but it is uncertain that the anonymous party will actually undertake necessary renovations for the building.

While Chairman Charlie Paris told FYN he was interested in the historical context of the building, there is a large need as the building is currently in no shape to host visitors or tours due to structural damage. However, Paris did say the county would continue to maintain the building as it is for people to view from the outside.

Post Commissioner Dallas Miller stated, “I would like to find someone to take it.” as he agreed to a historical significance of the building, but wanting to now have it under County funds. The general consensus of the Commissioners was that the county can not afford to fully renovate, under historic renovation standards, the Tabor House.

The building also sits on county land that could offer greater value due to its proximity to the courthouse and county offices. However, accessing the land while saving the building would be a great feat, according to Chairman Paris, due to the state of the building. This would require some method of transporting the building to a separate location allowing the County to utilize the property.

Another obstacle in the Commissioner’s path involves the Tabor House’s tie-in to the County’s Bonds. A legal hurdle that would require the County to somehow remove the building from its obligation before selling it or leasing it to a party interested in the building. However, Chairman Paris did suggest to FYN that this could be possible if an interested party came forward.

With no set future, it seems one of Gilmer County’s remaining Historical Landmarks could be on unstable foundation in several manners.