City of Sparta buys former bank building for $245K

The city of Sparta has purchased a former Legacy Bank & Trust Co. branch building, and government officials are seeking community input for potential uses.

The 5,000-square-foot building, as well as a roughly 70-space parking lot and a grass lot, was purchased at auction for $245,000, according to a news release. The property housed Legacy Bank until July, when the Springfield company moved its Sparta branch to a new building five blocks away.

The city has scheduled a 6 p.m. Nov. 29 town hall meeting to hear community feedback on the 7509 State Highway 14 property.

“We encourage everyone to come and share their views with us during this event,” Sparta Mayor Jenni Davis said in the release. “As we continually strive to enhance the lives of all of our citizens, we have amazing plans with the new acquisition, which I think will bring more business and attention to Sparta while maintaining our small-town charm.”

Potential uses include a community meeting place and space for local businesses, city officials say.