Historic downtown Sparta building is collapsing

Sparta may be losing a historic building close to the center of downtown.

On the night of March 4, the brick building that has stood on the corner of Bockman Way and South Church Street since 1905 began to crumble. The building at 33 W. Bockman Way, known by local residents as the Sparta Hardware Building because of its once occupant and the giant sign painted on the side of the building, had recently been sold. Renovations on the interior of the building could be seen taking place, but it was the outside brick on the wall adjacent to South Church Street that began to fall.

City officers blocked off one eastbound lane, on Bockman Way, beginning just after the bridge that crosses over the Calfkiller River, and continuing to White County Courthouse, essentially routing traffic away from the building for two blocks. The block of South Church Street that houses the building and two parking lots was also completely blocked off for safety reasons.

“Some bricks have fallen off. We don’t know how bad it’s going to be,” Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said via a Facebook Live video on Monday night. “For the safety of our city and the people around, we felt the need to shut one lane of Bockman Way, the lane closest to the building, in case it were to fall or something happen. Also, we know that there’s bricks out in the road on Church Street.”

Mayor Lowery also said that a structural engineer would be visiting the location, on March 5, to advise city officials and the owners of the building as to the safest way to proceed. It has not been said whether it will be possible to save the building or if they are looking at the best way to demolish it.

“As the mayor of our beloved community, it is with a heavy heart that I address the unfortunate situation regarding the historic Sparta Hardware building. This iconic structure, which holds so much significance in our town’s history, is now facing the dire threat of collapse,” Lowery issued a sentimental statement on the situation Tuesday morning. “For generations, the Sparta Hardware building has been more than just a place of commerce; it has been a cornerstone of our community, a symbol of resilience, and a storage of cherished memories. Many among us have purchased furniture and goods from this respected establishment, making it a part of our homes and our lives. The news of its impending collapse is deeply saddening for all of us. Losing a building with such rich history is akin to losing a piece of our own identity.”