Hazel Hill House demolition difficult yet necessary
The Elizabethtown-Hardin County Industrial Foundation (EHCIF) understands how deeply connected our community is to its history. Historic places like the Hazel Hill House on Gaither Station Road are not just old buildings, they are reflections of the generations that came before us. It is with this deep respect for our shared past that we want to share information about the recent demolition of the Hazel Hill House and the steps that led to that decision.
After acquiring the land last year as part of our plans to develop the new Gil Niceley Sr. Industrial Park, EHCIF issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in January inviting restoration specialists to submit ideas for saving and repurposing the home. Despite our efforts to promote this opportunity, no responses were received.
Throughout this process, we sought guidance from local experts: those who are dedicated to studying Hardin County’s history and restoring historic properties. Their assessment was sobering: decades of deterioration had left the Hazel Hill House structurally compromised and beyond practical restoration. As much as we had hoped for a different outcome, their feedback, combined with a complete lack of interest from restoration specialists, made clear that saving the property was no longer a viable option.
One expert we consulted was Kevin Addington, who has extensive experience in renovating historic properties here in the community. He noted a multitude of issues, some of which included considerable water damage from multiple roof leaks, mold throughout the home, asbestos concerns, a compromised foundation and a termite infestation. Addressing these problems would have been necessary before even beginning work on essential infrastructure such as electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.
Additionally, since the building would likely serve a commercial function, it would have required numerous modern upgrades, including ADA compliance, fire suppression systems, commercial-grade parking and access for heavy vehicles.
“Sometimes, not always, it’s simply beyond any reasonable expectation to save a building from dismantling,” Addington said of the building’s condition. “I believe this one falls within those parameters.”
We at EHCIF were also in communication with other local experts such as Tim Asher, Chairman of the Hardin County History Museum and Charlie Bryant with the Elizabethtown Historic Preservation Commission.
“We appreciate that the Foundation made a real effort to find a path toward preserving Hazel Hill, even if it was ultimately in a state of disrepair,” Asher said.
“The Hazel Hill House was in very poor condition,” Bryant added. “While the loss of any historic structure is unfortunate, the extensive damage and deterioration made rehabilitation impractical.”
Additionally, efforts to restore the Hazel Hill House began well before EHCIF became involved. Nelle Niceley Johnson, the property’s former owner from whom we purchased it, had made earnest attempts to kickstart the renovation process, which were ultimately unsuccessful.
“I had no knowledge of the home being neglected for 40 years, presenting a huge challenge,” she said.“My family and I actively pursued solutions for two years to repair my family home, including seeking state and government assistance.”
Ultimately, this was not an easy decision to make, and we understand the historical significance of this building. That’s why we took deliberate steps to ensure that pieces of Hazel Hill’s legacy would live on.
The stone wall that stood on the property and bricks from the original structure have been carefully preserved, and these materials will be thoughtfully repurposed in downtown Elizabethtown. Our intention is for this to be a visible, lasting tribute to the Hazel Hill House’s place in our local story.
The Gil Niceley Sr. Industrial Park represents a major opportunity for Hardin County and beyond, one that will bring new jobs, investment and long-term economic growth. The acquisition of this land will build on the unprecedented momentum we have seen in our region’s industrial sector. As we look ahead, we at EHCIF remain committed to ensuring that our progress as a community is rooted in respect for our past. Though a part of our past has been lost, the ground it stood on will now support the growth and progress of generations to come.
We at EHCIF welcome continued conversation and collaboration as we work together to honor where we’ve been and thoughtfully shape where we’re going.
Editorial by Andy Games:
Andy Games serves as president and chief operating officer for the Elizabethtown-Hardin County Industrial Foundation.