EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is another in a series of stories about what’s happening with some of the vacant commercial buildings in Western Tidewater.

COURTLAND—Since vacating the former Blake Auto Sales building on Southampton Parkway in 2008, owner Blake Blythe has had several inquiries, one of which was serious.

“He was sick (so we let him out the agreement),” Blythe said Monday, noting he was unaware what the person’s intent was for the building.

Since then, he’s had interest mostly from churches that don’t have the money to rent or buy the building because they’re just getting started.

Located between the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and The Peanut Patch, the 12,000-square-foot building was constructed in 1969 for Bell Motors, a Chrysler dealership. Blythe sold used vehicles there from 2004 to 2008. Doug’s Auto Repair occupied the building after Blythe left; it has been vacant since 2009.

Blythe is interested in renting or selling the building, for which he’s asking $695,000. Possible uses include any kind of automotive needs.

“It could be for a body shop or a nice repair shop, for selling cars, any kind of boats and campers,” Blythe said.

He said he did very well at the location.

Beth Lewis, director of community development for Southampton County, said the property is zoned for commercial use. Lewis also said it can be used for automotive, truck and trailer sales, linen services, furniture repair and office space.

Blythe also owns the building occupied by Department of Motor Vehicles.