By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
As we roll into the new year, work on restoration of the Faurote building in downtown Decatur is moving along at a solid pace … but still has a long way to go to completion.
Curt Witte, the city’s director of building and zoning, said recently that all demolition work on the interior of the building has finished.
Limberlost Construction of Geneva, which has the contract for the project, has reframed the front facade and is doing some minor framing construction on the interior floors systems.
As of last week, Limberlost has yet to install new stair systems, basement and second floor, and interior walls. Once those items are complete, the company will focus on all electrical, plumbing and HVAC installs, according to Witte.
At its final meeting of 2024, the city’s board of works and safety approved a $13,812 project change order that will be covered by the Adams County Economic Development Commission (ACEDC), which will eventually take possession of the building.
It was the second change order the ACEDC agreed to cover, the first totaling $2,925 for the enlargement of a door area.
The city took possession of the dilapidated building from city resident Paul Faurote in early 2022 as it was considered unsafe. Limberlost was hired at a cost of $153,350, to secure the structure.
The city has signed a lease agreement with the ACEDC, which, upon completion of the restoration, will take possession of the two-story structure and relocate its offices.
It will lease a small portion in the rear to the city, which plans to use it for much-needed storage.
The city obtained a state READI grant of $290,000 to use for renovation of the building and the ACEDC, through its own funds and some private donations, will add pick up the tab for the rest of the cost.
The ACEDC office is currently located in the Adams County Service Complex at Third and Jefferson streets.
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