The future is becoming clearer for the prime downtown Huntsville property occupied for nearly a century by now-closed Lewter Hardware. That future likely includes a new restaurant and current owner Mac Lewter said Friday, “I fully expect an 8-10 story complex.”

A 10-story complex would be one of downtown Huntsville’s tallest buildings along with the Regions Center, the Times Building and the former Hotel Russel Erskine (now apartments).

The city had a 10-story height limit for years so new construction would “be compatible with historic structures; minimize the wind tunnel effect between buildings; assure the penetration of sunlight to ground level; enhance the pedestrian streetscape; and (be) conducive to small scale retail and service establishments.” That limit is no longer in force, and the administration of Mayor Tommy Battle has endorsed building concepts up to 17 floors.

Mac Lewter confirmed Friday that the family has “a contract” to sell the property to buyers from New Orleans. Lewter declined to name the buyers or the sales price but said no local investor would meet the New Orleans offer.

The store is located on Washington Street near Interstate 565 and close to the downtown interstate exit. The sale will also include property across the street that formerly housed part of the family business. That will become parking, Lewter said.

Lewters closed after nearly a century in business following the July death of Donnie Lewter, the family member who led the store’s operations and died of COVID.

With its friendly staff, creaking wooden floors and packed, old-style shelves and bins, Lewter’s on Washington Street was one-stop hardware shopping for downtown residents and many who drove past big box stores to reach it.

The store was a time machine where the family cats threaded their way past counter shelves that frequently held at least one display of pocket knives or the latest in pocket flashlights for those under-the-house repairs.