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If you’ve driven down East Lafayette lately, you can’t help but notice the activity at 112 and 114. Lorne and Kat Semrau purchased the building with dreams of restoring and redesigning the building and creating an art gallery. Months later, with many hours of work, discussion, more sweat, and a few words with the “powers that be” on design, etc., on November 23rd, they will see their dream become a reality. Along with works from many artists, the visitor will find items from the past; for example, the original doors from J.C. Penney’s former downtown store will be used in the building.
One of the two buildings that now make up “Art Under a Hot Tin Roof,” 114 E. Lafayette, was originally a general merchandise store, built in the 1840's. During the Civil War it stayed open, but according to newspaper reports, like many of the stores east of Market, was raided during the war.
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In the city directory of 1872, Smith and Stegall were listed at this address. They were grocers, commission merchants, and wholesale dealers in whiskies, wines, etc. The 1880's is the first time a building is listed at 112 E. Lafayette, described as a two story, shotgun style building. Like 114, it had sleeping rooms on the second floor. Both of these buildings had many tenants and I am sure the Semrau’s will attest to the fact that each tenant had their own taste in wall coverings.
Other occupants included A.J. Strasberg and Hal R. Moore, Tailor’s, in 1904. In 1923, residents were Samples Shoes and Jackson Jewelry. In 1935, Jackson Jewelry was still at 114 but Fannye’s Dress Shop was at 112. In the early 40's I found Fannye’s Dress Shop still holding on, but 114 was the new home of Albert’s Slipper Shop. In the late 50's, the wall between the stores was removed and the ceiling was lowered, creating Albert’s Wearing Apparel for Women. When Albert’s closed, the building was vacant until the late 90's. It was occupied by Sally’s Beauty Supply until the Semrau’s purchased the property.
Now with all the layers of wallpaper removed, the beautiful tin ceiling tile uncovered and the floors refinished, the building is coming back to life. The first floor will be used as a gallery. German-made glass windows that fold back will open the gallery to the public. The second floor will house an office, private quarters, a studio for Kat, and an additional gallery.
The outside facade has gone from brick to stucco, with a striking metal structure and an art deco front door. As I stood across the street looking at the building, I thought how proud the building appears. You can tell that even though the work was hard and more than a few tears were shed, it was done as a labor of love and respect for the property by Lorne and Kat.
Visit the gallery on December 7th and 8th to see the works of Jane Seymour and many other artists. It’s just one more reason to wander the streets of downtown Jackson.
Originally written by dn english and published in the The City News – Dec. 2002. |
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