BY KEN de la BASTIDE

Anderson Herald Bulletin Senior Reporter

Interior and exterior demolition work has started on the first building to undergo renovation as part of Anderson's $2.1 million Town Center project.

The now-demolished building on the southwest corner of 12th and Meridian streets had been vacant for several years. When completed, the site will include five professional offices and two condominiums overlooking the Town Center.

Fortune Management has purchased 1219 Meridian St., which was a warehouse for Miller Huggins, and 1213 Meridian St., the site of the first work taking place.

The Town Center, which could include an ice rink, stage and green space, will be located on the northwest corner of 12th and Meridian Streets once the former J.C. Sales building is demolished.

Randy Kindig, project manager for Fortune Management, said the building will get a new facade along Meridian Street with five distinct looks.

"There is the potential for five professional offices," said Kindig on Thursday. "It will depend on what the space requirements are of the potential tenants."

He said plans are to construct 3,412-square-foot and 1,706-square-foot condominiums on the second floor, both with exterior decks and private garages.

"They will have strong views overlooking the Town Center," said Kindig. "The plan is to convert the property owned by the YMCA into a park-like setting.

"There has to be enough area for park space to cater to sizable events," he continued. "We had a concept meeting on the Town Center project with city officials, architect Mike Montgomery, representatives from the Paramount Theatre, YMCA and local property owners."

Kindig said similar facade work is planned for the building currently housing the studio of local artist Ken Ryden.

He said the concept includes closing 12th Street to traffic from Jackson to Meridian streets to allow for public art work, infrastructure for special events, a skating rink for the winter months that will double as a fountain during warmer weather.

"The plan is to use a similar theme as is being utilized on the Florentine streetscape in front of the Paramount Theatre," said Kindig.

He said masonry work on the building should start next week, and the offices and condominiums should be ready to accept tenants in about five months.

"We have to do selective demolition," said Kindig. "It is imperative that there be a 100 percent tear-out of the existing finish work, mechanical and electrical service. Everything has to be brand new."

Kindig said work will soon begin on the former Miller Huggins warehouse building and the Tiny Towne building on East Ninth Street.

"There will be simultaneous work taking place at several locations," he said.