Work continues at Herbert Street, completion tentatively set for fall 2026
By Becky Long
Publisher
It may be hard to imagine what has been called one of the “ugliest” buildings on the square becoming one of the finest, but that’s the goal of the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association.
The two-story building on the corner of 12 Herbert Street has been vacant 25 years, but a $3.5 million project underway will provide retail and lodging space where the dilapidated structure once stood.
CCCRA representative and former president, Paul Price explained to county commissioners March 5 why this project offers aesthetic and economic benefits.
CCCRA took on the project as a way to complement the Beal Center Historic Courthouse which serves as a wedding venue and for other special occasions and events.
“Who would want to take on a project of such magnitude?” Price said. “Our original intent was to restore the building, but it made sense to take it down. It will give us a better building and is less expensive.
When completed, tentatively in the fall of 2026, Hayesville Inn on the Square will offer six upscale rooms upstairs, one room downstairs with the lobby and a separate 1,200 square feet of retail space.
“It fits with the event center across the street. People need a place to stay,” Price said. “We’ve already had several inquiries concerning rental of the retail space.
“Having this building there as a part of the Beal Center and being a part of the town, we made a conscious decision that we would not compete with businesses in town,” he emphasized.
“We expect it to be very nice, upscale, but not five-star.” Price said. “We want it to support the Beal Center.”
The old brick building has a history in Clay County. It opened in 1941 as the Hayesville Hotel and Cafe. Later it became West Auto Parts and the local tag office. Since then it has been vacant. The new building will be on the same footprint and closely resemble the original structure, according to Price.
Among the economic benefits, it is projected:
• The inn and retail space will create eight to 10 jobs
•The county will receive additional tax revenue for the hotel/motel taxes.
• The inn will encourage tourism in the county.
• The inn will provide much needed overnight lodging facilities.
• The inn will enhance the beauty of the downtown area and set a standard for future rehabilitation in Hayesville.
• The inn will add construction jobs
Price and CCCRA President Tony Wiegold are hoping the county commission will pitch in financial help on the project, about $50,000 to furnish the inn, provide booking and management software, internet set-up, security, etc. The project and ownership of the building will fall under the nonprofit CCCRA umbrella.
“We have the money to construct the building thanks to Ron Beal,” Price said. “We’re not ones to ask for money, but we were hoping you could help.”
County attorney Merinda Woody said regarding the legality of county funding, any contribution to any kind of motel would have to be looked at “very carefully.”