‘New’ look is in store downtown

A part of Albemarle’s history will be uncovered beginning Wednesday afternoon.

The gold-colored aluminum panel façade covering Starnes Jewelers and The Satin and Lace Shop on West Main Street will be taken down beginning tomorrow afternoon.

Gene Starnes, owner of Starnes Jewelers, said the process could take several days because the panels covering the building are each approximately six inches wide. The scaffolding is being put in place today and the awnings are being removed, Starnes said.

The removal should not cause major structural damage, Starnes said. But some masonry work will have to be done once the panels are removed.

Mrs. Catherine Pickler, owner of the adjoining shop, has long been involved in preserving historic properties in the county.

The building was constructed in 1907 by Francis Eugene Starnes, Dock Frank Parker and J.C. Parker.

Francis Eugene Starnes was the grandfather of Gene Starnes and J.C. Parker was the grandfather of Catherine Pickler.

The building has been in both of their families since it was constructed. “We are restoring our store front to its original façade for several reasons,” Starnes said. “Catherine Pickler and I believe that the preservation of downtown Albemarle is the key to our future. The offices and The Albemarle Opera House should be used again in the future to enhance and broaden our community.”

The Opera House Auditorium was once known as one of the finest between New York and Havana, according to Starnes. The facility would seat 800 people for plays and musical events.

In addition to restoring the outside to its original state, Starnes also plans to remodel the store’s interior. He will use the existing fixtures to maintain the store’s historic quality.

Starnes said he will immediately begin working to make application to the United States Registry of Historic Places. With the help of Ms. Donna Dodenhoff, Starnes will attempt to get the building listed in the registry.

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