The Selma Times-Journal

About 600 acres located around the junction of Alabama Highway 14 and U.S. 80 will be auctioned off in January.

The land is part of the old Roger apC Jones estate amassed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Jones founded the Selma National Bank, which was acquired into Regions Bank through various acquisitions.

“You could say this is the end of an era,” said Van Carter, a great-grandson of the bank founder. “My great-grandfather left the land to his children, and over the years, ownership has fanned out into another generation or two so that there are now about 16 different family members who are part owners of the remaining land. We’ve all decided it’s better just to sell it and divide the proceeds,” said Carter.

Craig King, president of J.P. King, said “This is a very strategic location, with more than two miles of road frontage, including about 3,086 feet on U.S. 80. The area already has been growing, with such development as hotels, the YMCA, the Central Alabama Farmers Cooperative and professional office buildings.

The land is divided into 53 parcels to allow more potential buyers. King said about 400 acres of the land will sell at absolute auction, meaning it will go to the highest bidder with no minimum bid or a reserve.

Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard said, &8220;&8220;If property developed, and I feel it will be, it will mean a lot, it&8217;s one of the largest continuous tracks of land around here. If it&8217;s developed residentially it will bring in additional ad valorem taxes to Dallas County.&8221;

The auction will begin at 11 a.m. at the Farmers Co-op,

2519 U.S. 80 West. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Individuals interested in more information about the property may contact J.P. King at 800.558.5464 or visit the company’s web site at www.jpking.com.