A new Hardin Hall was officially opened on West 4th Street in Blades with a ribbon-cutting on July 28. The community building, like its predecessor, was named for former mayor and long-time councilman B.J. Hardin. Hardin gave 25 years of service to his adopted hometown before his death at age 85 on Dec. 31, 2018. Hardin’s nephews, John and Eric Ruth, were on hand for the event, as were state and local dignitaries.

The older building was condemned in 2019, falling victim to termites. It had to be demolished. According to another former mayor, David Ruff, the hall had once belonged to the Blades Methodist Church and was used by the “Count on Me” church circle for fundraising activities until finances dictated its sale. The town then purchased the property, which is next to town hall.

Then-mayor Robert Atkinson set a goal of replacing the building with a similar structure to be built on the same footprint. He anticipated a few months of construction, but it was not to be.

Construction bids were accepted in early 2023, but money was lacking for the project until State Rep. Danny Short and State Sen. Bryant Richardson secured funding through the state’s Community Reinvestment Fund.

Ground was broken in March 2024. Construction took more than two years.

Mayor Nancy McAdams said at the ribbon-cutting, “It has been a long time. There have been so many mayors and town administrators involved I can’t name them all. I cannot take responsibility or praise.” She thanked Short and Richardson, without whose support “we would not have this beautiful building,” and all others who helped along the way. She later expressed appreciation to Blades Volunteer Fire Company for all the months — years — of hosting town meetings in their building.

Hardin Hall is now open for use by the town and for rentals. Blades Town Council held its meetings there in June and July. Rental fees have been set at $400 for six hours plus $50 for each additional hour. Use of the hall on Monday through Thursday will cost non-profits $25 per hour for up to two hours.

While the fire marshal set occupancy in emergencies at 175, a more realistic number for functions is 70 people, McAdams said. In addition to the large meeting room, there is a prep kitchen separated by a long bar which could be used for serving food. There is a refrigerator, but no stove or oven. A warm-up machine will be added soon. The air-conditioned building and its restrooms are handicapped accessible. Tables and chairs are available.

The Spade and Trowel Garden Club provided landscaping for the site, thanks in part to a grant from the National Garden Clubs Inc. and in-kind contributions from the BioEnergy Innovation Center south of town.