The red and white sales sign in the window is just the beginning of a new adventure for the old U.S. Federal building in Altus. It’s long been an landmark on the southwest corner of W. Broadway and S. Hudson Streets. No wonder, since it was built back in 1917. A lot of history has gone by on busy Broadway (Highway 62) since then.

The two-story brick building has housed federal offices and the post office, and been part of the Jackson County Health Department, among other things. Finally it was used as a youth center. It’s been officially vacant since 1994.

When a visual inspection was made of the facility by Laura Dye of LOFLIN, in January of 1996, she described it as:

“Resting on a concrete slab foundation and concrete wall basement, the steel frame structure supports a built up tar/pebble roof. Interior finishings in the building,” according to Dye, include “9-inch square vinyl floor tiles, suspended ceiling with acoustical ceiling tiles, glued on 12-inch square ceiling tiles and sheetrock and plaster walls and ceilings.”

Commenting on climate control, Dye said, “heating and air conditioning is provided by a forced air system with a chiller and low pressure boiler in the basement supplying air handling units in the basement and attic. Perimeter hot/cold water radiators exist on the first floor and mezzanine.”

In addition to Dye’s description, the faciity is handicap accessible with a ramp on the north side of the building which leads to the back door on the west.

Rather like an old coin, no one knows exactly how pretty this piece of city history wil polish up. It will take some effort, but it’s the hope of the Jackson County Commissioners that this building will once more be a great addition to downtown Altus. Watch for more information on the bid process for this sale.