Hope revived for purchase of abandoned Dallas Academy in Selma's Old Town district

Hopes of revitalizing the Dallas Academy property in Selma’s historic district have been revived.

Developer William Rankin McLure IV has offered to buy the property for $30,000, with plans to put another $100,000 in repairs. McLure said he plans to have the building “reasonably inhabitable” within three months, according to a document presented to the Selma City Council by Mayor Johnny Moss III.

“The bidder intends to transform the building into a primary studio space, accommodating various functions, including a creative workspace, photography area for their sales website and social media, a gallery, and an event venue,” the document states.

Dallas Academy is located at 816 Selma Ave. in Selma’s Old Town Historic District. The property includes a two-story building and a 10,000-square-foot parking lot. 

Developers announced plans to return the abandoned property to the tax rolls in 2020 and again in the summer of 2024, but nothing came of either proposal. The city offered the building for $45,000 in 2024.

The Selma City Council March 10 gave Moss permission to negotiate with the developer to close the deal on the city-owned building.

McLure recently completed a five-year renovation of a property in Vincent, and he completed many homes for himself and for clients as the lead interior designer for Bill Ingram Architect in Mountain Brook.

In other business, Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford said that his officers have responded to more than 140 reports of gunfire since Dec. 21, 2025.

More from this section

'Never forget': Ivory Coast commemorates 2016 jihadist attack on resort

1 in 3 women feel their gender has held them back

Gene yaks have could inspire new multiple sclerosis treatments

Two shooting incidents dampened the mood of the Jubilee last weekend, but Fulford said his officers reacted “quickly and aggressively.”

“We have made several arrests, with more to come,” Fulford told the city council to applauds.

“I thank the Selma Police Department for all their hard work this weekend,” Fulford said.

Fulford said the police department needs a lot of work. New heating and cooling will cost about $50,000, and repairs on the training building will cost about as much.

“We need a new building,” Fulford told the council. “I won’t beat around the bush about that.”

Several council members discussed whether it’s time to find funding for a new building rather than patching up the existing building.

It’s also time to start looking for new vehicles to replace the 2021 model police cruisers, Fulford said.

The council approved hiring the Chestnut Law firm to handle legal issues related to personnel. Attorneys Thomas Atchison advises the city on liability claims and Graham Mosley handles day-to-day legal issues. The city does not have a fulltime attorney on staff.