The announcement this week that the Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) has added three Andalusia structures to the Alabama Register of Landmarks & Heritage serves as a good reminder of the history being preserved with the renovations of these buildings.

Church Street School, Springdale, and the Alabama Textile Products Corporation (ALATEX) office building were added to the register in October.

Each of the facilities has played an important part in the history of this community. Church Street School housed thousands of children during their academic journeys and is now a cultural arts center. The ALATEX corporate office made Andalusia in many ways the center of a small textile universe. Soon, it will be home to the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce. Springdale, which was the beautiful home of former mayor and industry giant John G. Sherf.

The AHC considers the notable historic properties in this register to be particularly worthy of preservation and appreciation, and therefore deserving of this special recognition.

Most Andalusians couldn’t agree more. We salute all of those – from city leaders, to ballet volunteers, to the leadership of the chamber – for working to make sure these historic structures are both preserved for and used by future generations.