A Fire-Damaged 1880 Home in Alabama With 4,606 Square Feet of Potential

$19,500 | 610 Mabry St, Selma, AL 36701

A remarkable piece of Selma, Alabama, history is being offered for just $19,500, but this property comes with an enormous challenge. Located at 610 Mabry St, this two-story residence was built in 1880 and offers an impressive reported 4,606 square feet of interior space.

The house has been damaged by fire and is being sold strictly as-is, making it a property intended for experienced renovators, investors, or buyers prepared for a major restoration. Despite its current condition, the home’s age, enormous size, traditional architecture, and several original-style features make it an intriguing property for anyone interested in bringing an old house back to life.

With a construction date of 1880, this home is more than 140 years old.

The two-story residence features a traditional architectural form, along with metal and wood siding. Its age alone makes it a distinctive property, particularly for buyers who appreciate historic homes and restoration projects.

The house is not currently habitable in its existing condition because of the fire damage, and significant work would be required. However, the property’s substantial size and historic character provide a foundation for someone with the resources and expertise to undertake a major rehabilitation.

One of the most striking details about the property is its reported 4,606 square feet of interior living space.

That is an enormous amount of space for a property listed at $19,500. The home includes three bedrooms and four full bathrooms, spread across two levels.

For a future renovation, the existing size provides considerable flexibility. Depending on the structural condition and applicable building regulations, the interior could potentially be redesigned into a spacious private residence or another permitted use.

However, because the property has experienced a fire, the actual condition of the interior structure and systems would need to be professionally assessed before any renovation plans could be made.

The property’s biggest challenge is also the reason for its exceptionally low asking price.

The listing states clearly that the house has been in a fire and is being sold in its current condition. Buyers should therefore expect significant restoration work and should not assume that the reported square footage represents usable living space in its present state.

A professional structural inspection would be essential before purchasing. The extent of fire, smoke, water, and structural damage can vary dramatically from one property to another.

Potential buyers would need to evaluate the foundation, framing, roof, electrical system, plumbing, HVAC, windows, interior finishes, and other major components before determining whether restoration is financially practical.

Even in its current condition, the property retains several features that give it character.

The listing mentions parquet, tile, and wood flooring, along with an attic and storage areas. There are also multiple fireplaces, including an exterior fireplace.

These details could become particularly valuable if portions of the original structure and materials can be safely preserved.

For a restoration enthusiast, historic elements such as fireplaces, wood flooring, architectural details, and the overall proportions of the house can provide an opportunity to create something far more distinctive than a newly constructed property.

The home’s two-story layout gives it a substantial presence.

The property also features a covered porch and balcony, providing exterior architectural elements that contribute to its traditional appearance.

A restored version of the property could potentially make these outdoor spaces major focal points. A renovated porch or balcony could provide an inviting transition between the home’s interior and the surrounding neighborhood.

However, because of the fire damage, the condition and structural safety of these features would need to be carefully evaluated.

The property sits on approximately 8,755 square feet of land, with reported dimensions of roughly 85 x 101 x 86 x 105 feet.

It is classified as a city lot, giving the property a relatively compact footprint compared with some of the larger rural restoration projects.

The lot itself may provide opportunities for landscaping or outdoor improvements once the structure has been safely restored.

This property comes with unusually strict safety requirements because of its condition.

The listing states that children are not allowed on the property for safety reasons. It also requires both the agent and client to sign a no-harm agreement before entering.

These warnings should be taken seriously. A fire-damaged structure can contain unstable floors, weakened structural components, exposed electrical systems, broken materials, and other hazards that may not be obvious from the outside.

Anyone considering the property should follow the seller’s entry requirements and rely on qualified professionals to evaluate its safety and structural condition.

At $19,500, the purchase price is remarkably low for a property reporting more than 4,600 square feet.

But the low price should be viewed as a reflection of the property’s condition rather than simply a bargain on a large house.

The true cost of the project would include not only the purchase price but also inspections, demolition if necessary, structural repairs, utilities, permits, construction, and the restoration or replacement of damaged components.

For the right investor, however, the low acquisition cost could provide an opportunity to investigate whether a complete rehabilitation makes financial sense.

610 Mabry St is not a typical fixer-upper.

It is a fire-damaged, 1880 residence with more than 4,600 square feet of reported space, three bedrooms, four bathrooms, multiple fireplaces, an attic, a covered porch, and a balcony.

The property will require far more than cosmetic improvements. It represents a serious restoration undertaking that could take substantial time, expertise, and investment.

Yet that is also what makes it fascinating. Beneath the damage is an extremely old house with architectural character and a substantial footprint.

For an experienced restoration professional or investor willing to take on an extraordinary project, 610 Mabry St could offer the rare opportunity to rescue a piece of Selma history and transform a severely damaged 19th-century property into something remarkable once again.