A downtown landmark on Jefferson Street is back on the market.
CityScapes, the downtown development company founded by


biotech pioneer Jim Hudson and his wife, Susie, bought the old Hale Brothers Furniture building in December 2000 with the idea of turning it into nightclubs and condominiums.

But CityScapes President Ralph Gipson said Tuesday that the company decided against the renovation after learning the cost: about $4 million.

CityScapes put the sprawling, three-story building up for sale several months ago and has been quietly shopping it around. Gipson declined to reveal the asking price.

He said one potential buyer has talked about converting it into apartments and perhaps other uses. Another would open a restaurant there.

“At this time, we have no (sales) contract,” Gipson said. “But I do think there’s a good possibility it could be under contract soon.”

The 53,000-square-foot building near the corner of Jefferson Street and Clinton Avenue has a rich history: It was Huntsville Utilities’ headquarters for a time and housed family-owned Hale Brothers Furniture from 1956 until early 2002.

Whoever buys the Depression-era building will need to shore up its structural supports, Gipson said.

CityScapes is converting the former nightclub at 115 Clinton Ave. into the future home of Crossroads Cafe, a popular music club and bar now in the MarketSquare shopping center at Clinton and Memorial Parkway. Gipson said that work should be finished in October.

Crossroads’ move to a much larger space could bring hundreds of music fans each weekend to the burgeoning entertainment district around the courthouse. It will be just a few steps from Humphrey’s Bar & Grill on Washington Street, also owned by CityScapes.