The storefronts in downtown Jefferson will eventually be restored, although the project to date looks to be more about demolition than restoration.
Jefferson city administrator Mike Palmer and Jefferson Matters: Main Street program director Peg Raney have both made that reminder in updates they’ve provided to various groups recently.
Palmer explained to the county supervisors that it’s a small crew that is tearing off storefronts. Each building is evaluated then, and the plans are adjusted as needed. For example, it was determined the front of Muir Embroidery needs structural steel added.
After plans are set, masons, glaziers and painters will come in.
Raney reported to the Greene County Development Corporation board that Pinnacle Construction, the contractor for the job, has purchased a house in Jefferson for its crew to live in for the duration of the project. Pinnacle is renting office space two doors west of the Sierra Community Theatre, and the preliminary drawings of each building are posted in the windows.
Local mason Mark Devilbiss has been hired for the brick work and local painter Gary Goodwin has also been hired, Raney said. Pinnacle is purchasing locally whenever possible, she added.
Palmer and Raney both said the project is on schedule and will be finished in late November or mid December.
The project is funded by a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant with a $250,000 match from the city of Jefferson. Owners of the 13 buildings in the project are paying a total of $250,000.
