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Representatives from six construction companies went on a walk through of the Strand Theatre and the Old Hardware Store Oct. 16, according to Pride of Atmore officials.

The construction companies toured the buildings with Pride of Atmore’s architect, Steve Stone of Dakinstreet Architects, in an effort to get bids back for the project.

Pride of Atmore’s Foster Kizer said in an email that the representatives toured both buildings and both floors, adding that the architect answered questions from the prospective bidders.

“We don’t know who will choose to respond with a bid,” Kizer said. “The bids are due back to Steven Stone by Nov. 20, 2020.

“The exciting part is that once we decide on who we want as a contractor, we can start construction, hopefully by year’s end.”

The construction companies who toured the buildings included Ben Radcliff Construction, Rolin Construction, SCC Group, Hammer Construction, White-Spunner Construction and Lathan Company.

Kizer said contractors must have experience in the restoration of historic buildings and historic tax credits to qualify, adding that the construction duration is 270 calendar days.

At present, the Pride of Atmore still hasn’t reached its target funding goal, and the organization is continuing to write grants and be creative in fundraising during the pandemic, Kizer said.