Renovation work at the Richardson Building continues, with electrical work nearing completion and new epoxy flooring expected this fall.
Town of Grundy IDA Properties Manager Dennis Ramey provided an update during the authority’s Aug. 25 meeting at the Town Offices in Grundy.
Ramey said he attended a conference earlier in the day with Jordan Dillon, Director of Economic Development for Cumberland Plateau Planning District, about the project’s finances, and reported that work continues to move forward on several fronts despite running low on funds.
The IDA accepted a $35,000 price for epoxy flooring in the building’s bar area, kitchen and new addition during a special called meeting earlier this month. The contractor indicated the flooring work could begin around mid-September and should take about two weeks to complete.
Electrical work is also nearly finished, with only a small amount remaining, including installing some light fixtures. Additional electrical equipment is still needed outside the building, including a meter base, cabinet and disconnect box.
Workers have been at the building each day during the past couple of weeks as the renovation moves closer to completion.
Once the interior has been painted and the flooring is installed, officials may consider holding an open house to give residents a look at the building’s transformation.
Ramey said an open house could include photographs showing the building’s condition before work began, including areas that once had dirt floors. The event may be held in early spring rather than this fall, allowing the public to see the progress before every final detail is completed.
Officials also plan to contact people who previously expressed interest in using the property.
The renovation aims to rejuvenate the Richardson Building and establish an inviting restaurant space on Walnut Street in Downtown Grundy.
