One of Fairhope’s oldest and historic buildings may be on the chopping block soon.

This month, the city’s Board of Adjustments and Appeals will meet to decide on the future of the 0.2-acre site that currently houses the old Fairhope Hardware Building, located at 301 Fairhope Ave. in the heart of downtown Fairhope.

The building, which was constructed in 1922, has seen many people come in and out over the years. It has housed various stores and outlets, including department stores, a Piggly Wiggly and Fairhope Hardware during its lifetime. It is designated as a “contributing” building within the Fairhope Downtown Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The building was sold in an auction in March 2023 for $1.6 million. Now, however, there is a chance that the historic site’s days in its current form are numbered as Fairhope’s Board of Adjustments and Appeals will discuss its future during their November meeting. Despite its historical significance, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building itself has no protections from being demolished.

If the applicant's proposal to demolish the building is approved by the board, there are plans to turn the site into a building that will house a hotel with 27 rooms on the upper floors along with a medical spa and restaurant on the bottom floors. The applicant, Mark McKinny, on behalf of owner FST Sildi LLC, is requesting a special exception to allow for a hotel on a property zoned B-2 General Business District.

"The Board of Adjustments and Appeals hears and decides appeals where it is alleged that there was an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the Director of Planning or any other administrative official, in the enforcement of the law. They may also hear special exemptions and variances," the city's website states.

The Board of Adjustments and Appeals will discuss the matter Monday, Nov 18, at 5 p.m. at Council Chambers in the Fairhope Municipal Complex, 161 N. Section St. The hearing is open to the public.