Jasper Main Street is thrilled to announce the acquisition of the historic white brick building at 311 18th Street West (the corner of 4th Avenue South and 18th Street West), which will now serve as the new home for the Jasper Main Street offices. The organization invites the community to an Open House on Tuesday, November 19, at 5:30 PM to tour the newly renovated space and learn more about the exciting plans in store.
The building, originally constructed in 1903, has a long and storied history in Jasper’s growth. “We envision this space as a vibrant Welcome Center and Museum, strategically located as the only welcome center on I-22 between Birmingham and the Mississippi state line,” said Mike Putman, Executive Director of Jasper Main Street. The property was recently updated by the Reed family in 2023, a renovation that restored and preserved its historic character.
Originally known as the Woods-Carpenter Infirmary, this building was constructed by Dr. R. W. Woods and Dr. N. H. Carpenter as Jasper’s first hospital, marking an important milestone in the area’s medical history. For six years, it served as a private infirmary offering modern medical treatments. Over time, the building saw transitions from Dr. Woods to Dr. C. B. Jackson, who operated it as the Dr. Jackson Infirmary, followed by its repurposing as a music studio and, later, a residence.
In 1930, a major renovation transformed it into The Jasper Clinic, a state-of-the-art medical facility equipped with cutting-edge technology for the time, including a basal metabolism machine—the only one of its kind in Walker County. As the Jasper Clinic, it housed 15 rooms with laboratory testing, treatment rooms, and X-ray technology. The clinic underscored Jasper’s progress, providing top-notch medical services and enhancing Jasper’s appeal as a city with modern amenities. Historical information provided by Gary Hodges.
Most recently, the building housed the law practice of Morris Savage until his death in 2017.
“Now, as the home of Jasper Main Street, the building will once again play a role in welcoming visitors and supporting the growth of Jasper’s downtown district. Jasper Main Street looks forward to utilizing this space to foster connections, share the town’s rich history, and serve as a resource hub for residents and tourists alike,” Putman said.
For further details about the Open House or to learn more about Jasper Main Street’s initiatives, please contact Jasper Main Street at 205-878-4JMS (4567).
