The Story Behind Abilene’s Neglected Community Landmark

The building at 3300 South 1st Street in Abilene wasn’t just another storefront, it was a community hub. My first visit there was to rent a rototiller from Abilene Rental, and it kicked off my short-lived gardening career. Later, it became home to Taylor Army Surplus, where you could buy anything from military boots and duffle bags to full-on camo gear.

Where Memories Were Made: From Tools to Surplus

For a lot of us, it wasn’t just about what we bought, it was who we met. That’s where I first crossed paths with Pastor Joel Toby, a young man then, just starting. Today, Joel is not only a man of faith but also a lifelong friend and a guest on my radio show. That building helped shape lives.

A Building Left Behind

Today, that same building stands boarded up and broken down. In November of last year, the city discovered a hidden homeless encampment behind it. After clearing it out and securing the building, individuals returned in February and once again moved inside.

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This week, the City of Abilene’s Building Standards Board issued an ultimatum: the current owners have 30 days to present a plan to either demolish the building or bring it back up to code. As it stands, the structure is no longer safe.

Too Close for Comfort at the Radio Station

And here’s the part that really hits home, literally. Our station is located just down the road at 3911 South 1st, barely a stone’s throw away. Just two days ago, one of the individuals from the encampment showed up two feet from our station’s front door, smoking and drinking just behind the entrance glass.

When our office manager politely asked him to move across the parking lot, he responded with profanity. I stepped outside and told him we don’t tolerate that kind of language, especially not in front of a lady. That’s when things got ugly. He tried to kick me twice, swung at me four times, and let loose a stream of insults, even mocking me for being a one-armed man.

Eventually, he left. But the experience left a mark, and a message.

We Must Balance Safety With Compassion

What happened to me isn’t unique. It’s something businesses all up and down South 1st are dealing with. Some have closed shop. Some have moved. But we’re still here, and we’re hoping for change.

While 3300 S 1st may be just an old building to some, it’s a part of our community’s story. I hope whatever comes next, whether it’s restoration or demolition, serves the people of Abilene better than what’s happening now. We all deserve safety. We all deserve respect. And we all deserve to be heard.