The city of Gadsden has plans for the Elliot Community Center and the Etowah Historical Society who currently leases the space isn't part of the vision.

Outside of the building there are historical trees that have been planted. The trees are from the homes of George Washington, Helen Keller, and Mark Twain plus a tree planted by a seed that went to the moon.

"We can’t get out here and dig up these trees," said Gary Garrett, the vice president board member for the Etowah Historical Society.

Garrett said they will likely have to find volunteers to help dig up the trees and replant them. The historical society would ideally like to keep the trees in Gadsden but the city of Gadsden plans to tear down the building where the historical society currently is.

"The school building is too far gone to be repaired. There is mold in there, asbestos, that we are aware of," said Nick Hall, the city's director of planning.

The city will use 4.5 million dollars from the American Rescue Plan to build a senior wellness center. The plans were approved by the city council.

"Our seniors were one of the most affected groups during Covid, so we want to create something that will benefit them," said Hall.

The new facility will be smaller in size. It will only be about 10-15,000 square feet compared to the 30,000 square foot building that is there now. Outside, the city plans to put a walking area with some pickle ball courts.

"It is kind of insulting to be told we don’t need you," said Garrett.

The city of Gadsden said it gave the historical society notice of their plans months in advance and even offered help to relocate some of their items.

"The only options we got you can take your American Indian artifacts and put them in the art museum and you can take the paper things in the library," said Garrett.

The historical society declined -- hoping to find their own place instead.

As for the senior wellness center, Hall said "we want to build something new and exciting for that community and I believe that community needs something new."

The historical society is still trying to find a new location and are hoping to have something finalized within the next few weeks.