Some Historic Montgomery Commercial Tenants Uncertain Over Future of Shockley Lot

The Shockley Lot, the rectangle-like Historic Montgomery property that borders John A Butler Street to the south, and Caroline Street to the north, once owned by former Montgomery City Councilman, Joe Shockley, has had the shop tenants a bit on edge since last year. After his passing in 2023 Shockley’s heirs sold the property to Cheatham Management, owned by local developer Chris Cheatham, and since last year the shop tenants had become worried when lease renewals were not forthcoming. Initial concerns had tenants believing that once their leases were finished that they would immediately have to vacate their premises, but earlier this year tenants received notification from property management that leases would be renewed at current rates on a monthly basis, with most having a 90-day notice to vacate once development plans are on the verge of breaking ground.

MCN made the rounds at the Shockley Lot in early March gauging opinions of the tenants, and inquiring into future plans. One item of note was the increase in the water rate on average 135%, which for a quilt shop whose main water usage comes from their bathroom usage could be labeled as a significant expense of $44 to $90 per business. For Montgomery residents, their sewer charges have increased on average about $32 per household.

As part of the development process, Cheatham Management donated the Garrett House to the City of Montgomery, which will eventually be moved to the lot north of the Montgomery Historical Society’s N.H. Davis Museum & Complex. The determination on the fates of the other buildings on the lot has yet to be determined as to whether they will be razed or moved. When the move does happen, and the GH is eventually kitted out with a proper foundation, electricity, and plumbing, the building will be the home of the Montgomery Economic Development Corporation, which will be moved this summer, likely in August. To date, the budget to move the Garrett House is approximately $50,000, with an additional $35K for making the building worthy for business. The City’s removal of trees from the lots that flank the N.H. Davis Museum on Liberty Street was done in preparation for the City’s plan to rejuvenate the space, by including a plaza with parking to the south adjacent to Eva Street, and additional parking with the Garrett House installed on the north property, which will tie-in with 30 additional spaces on McCown Street when the water/sewer project is completed. Planners will reinstall trees to beautify the area, and make the places fit for family gatherings.

A representation of the completed project once the lots to the north and south of the N.H. Davis Museum and Complex are fully developed, including the Garrett House to north

The business owner in the Garrett House, Adele Hanson, whose business Garrett House Antiques, currently has the only hard and fast lease expiration at the end of April, with notice to vacate 60 days following.

”It makes me sad,” said Hanson, speaking on the move of the Garrett House and the future of Historic Montgomery. “Shops like mine are part of the charm why people flock here to come and find that special piece.”

MEDC President Jeff Angelo is concerned for the fate of shop tenants, especially shops like Hanson’s who are sought out by antiquers. For the shop owners whose current rents are lower than $2,000 per month, they face step increases close to 3K per month in finding new homes for their items. Nothing is set in stone in regards to assisting shop owners with rents, but there are several active efforts to raise efforts before the Council and MEDC in reference to pursuing potential grants, but eligibility is far from certain. Another option at the time of the interview in mid-March, was housing some shops in the Fire Department/EMS building between Maiden Lane and Prairie Street, and that property has since been sold. Sadly, the business owners revenue on the lot barely covers operating expenses, so affording a new shop will be difficult.

Besides the Garrett House, the quilt shop owned by Patty Roebuck, Lola & Viv Designs, located in the blue building at Caroline and Prairie Streets, is in a building that was moved from Anderson, and has a historic feel. Lola & Viv’s lease ends in July. The businesses in the Shockley Lot have other leases that end on April 30th, with the last lease that the washeteria holds, which will end in April 2027.

“I’m pleased that we are allowed to stay beyond our leases without an increase,” said Roebuck. “Which makes sense, and is fair considering that we have 90-days to vacate, once the final notice is given.”

Cheatham Management hasn’t given any indication as to what will eventually be developed at the Shockley Lot, but Chris Cheatham reassured MCN that the development will be reflective of the ideals of Historic Montgomery. Cheatham has skin in the game in the city, with grandkids in MISD schools, so he doesn’t want to radically change the draw of the spirit of HM when the project is completed.

“We have plans to redevelop,” said Cheatham. “But it’s too early to make any assessment at this point.”

And even with the end of the last Shockley Lot lease in April 2027, there may be some period of time before lot preparation actually begins.