By Ashley McLeod, Staff Writer
Oct 24, 2014, 16:42
PRINCE GEORGE – Within a few weeks of a demolition permit being issued, the old Buren Store in Prince George has been torn down. The F.L. Buren Store, located along the old stage route across from the courthouse, was built in the 1870s. According to Carol Bowman at the Regional Heritage Center, the building may have been used as an ordinary where those who were in court across the street could stay and eat while waiting for court.
In 1927 the ownership of the building changed and it became Williams General Store, and then later in 1939, it became the F.L. Buren General Store. The store was open for a long time, until 1983 when it was closed by the owners. Since this, the building has gone unused.
The property was put up for sale, but no buyers came looking.
The building inspections department of the Prince George County government recently cited the property owner, Tommy Buren, for maintenance violations. Certain parts of the exterior of the building were cited, some related to the safety of the building.
But the property owner, after receiving the citation for maintenance violations, does not have an interest in fixing the old building.
