The Nathan Harris’ Sons Building, a corner landmark in downtown Marion for more than a century, has a new name and will reopen in March to a new purpose.
The Main Street Marion Board voted last week to name the historical site “The Harris Technology Hub,” giving a nod to generations of the Harris family who operated the retail clothing store for 103 years and highlighting the building’s future as an advanced technology and computer center, said Main Street Marion Board President Donald Bennett.
Located on the corner of Washington Street, the hub will feature a state-of-theart computer lab and Esports center, a professional training venue and muchneeded modern conference space for the city, Bennett said, noting that Auburn University Extension and Alabama A&M Extension will serve as resource training partners for the computer lab. The refurbished space will also include a coffee cafe and vendor retail spaces for the public.
The renovation and modernization of the historical site is funded with two seed grants awarded to Main Street Marion from Innovate Alabama, a public- private partnership focused on growing entrepreneurship, technology and innovation in the state. Main Street Marion was also named part of the organization’s prestigious Innovate Alabama Network, which spotlights communities, nonprofits and higher education institutions who are supporting innovation in their own backyards.
Bennett said renovations of the Harris building will preserve the site’s historic character while incorporating upgraded amenities to create a modern workforce development facility.
“The creation of this resource center aligns with Main Street Marion’s commitment to bring back a thriving business environment for the city of Marion, and in keeping with one of Innovate Alabama Network’s core priorities to advance talent development in the state,” Bennett said. “We’re grateful for Innovate Alabama for supporting our efforts to provide an ideal space for training opportunities for our citizens. It’s essential to the growth of our city and for our workforce.”
The Harris Hub will offer ongoing adult education and employee development training programs, Bennett said, and kicking off those offerings will be digital banking classes, hosted by Marion Community and West Alabama Bank, and training related to STEM programs, thanks to a partnership with Breakthrough Charter. Bennett said the community will also be encouraged to meet at the site for special events and to attend public informational forums offered by the Perry County Extension Office as well as other local businesses and organizations,
Restoration of the Harris building entails a full electrical system modernization, installation of two ADA compliant restrooms and updated lighting throughout. The state-ofthe- art computer lab and Esports center was designed and is being deployed by Pelham-based EFP Broadband.
If restoration continues as planned, Bennett said Main Street Marion will host the grand opening of the Harris Technology Hub in March 2025. Details will be forthcoming, according to Main Street Marion’s announcement.
