Gadsden to receive $1.2 million dollar building donation

The Gadsden City Council is expected to approve accepting property at the corner of Locust and Second streets from the Max Stinson family during their meeting next week.  The approximately 25,000-square-foot building, valued at $1.2 million, once housed Open Arms International and The Gathering churches, and includes a kitchen and restaurant that can seat almost 200. The restaurant space once housed Café Moriah.  An auditorium with a stage can seat about 2,000, or 800 to 1,000 for a meal.  City officials and officials with the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation said they are appreciative of the donation, and promised it will be put to good use by the city.  The property will be deeded to the city and one of Stinson’s businesses will get a tax deduction for the gift.