Old post office in riverfront city of Alton finds buyer

ALTON, Ill. (AP) - An old post office in the Mississippi River community of Alton has a new owner, but it's not clear what's ahead for the building.

The (Alton) Telegraph reports (http://bit.ly/1iaAIMl ) the 1906 structure was purchased by Alton Encore Properties. The company has ties to Alton Steel's majority stakeholder John Simmons.

Simmons says he's not ready to discuss plans for the building.

Terry Sharp is president of the Alton Area Landmarks Association. He says the old post office is an important building situated among other buildings with historic value.

The building has been empty for years. Following its use as a post office, the building has been used as a restaurant and an antique mall.

The price advertised was $250,000.

Alton is located about 25 miles north of St. Louis.

___

Information from: The Telegraph, http://www.thetelegraph.com