In another sign that redevelopment of downtown Terrell is more than a pipe dream, the City Council this week OKâd a funding package worth more than $900,000 as part of a public/private partnership for restoration of the old Anderson and Griffith buildings at Moore Avenue and Adelaide Street.
The Anderson building, situated on the north side of Moore, houses the Hard Bodies Gym. The smaller Griffith building, where a pawnshop had operated, is across the street.
Designs call for converting the larger Anderson property into a boutique hotel and loft apartments with a restaurant, retail shops and a gym. Along with a complete interior remodel, plans include a new exterior façade reflective of the buildingâs historical character, parking, a pocket park at Moore and Adelaide, landscaping, lighting, street furniture and other aesthetics, city documents show.
With an eye toward bringing tourism to downtown Terrell, the City Council on Tuesday committed $400,000 for architectural services at the former Chapman Building on Moore Avenue.
When completed, the building will serve as the downtown wing of Terrellâs No. British Flying Training School Museum, which is located near the municipal airport.
The money, which was transferred to the city by a downtown tax incremental financing district, will pay $340,000 for services by commercial and preservation architect Mark Thacker, who will design a plan to renovate and convert the old building to a future downtown showplace.
City Manager Mike Sims told the council that when all is said and done, the overall cost of the project could approach $4.5 million.