Expansion, makeover in the works for OTCA building

The association that helps promote, coordinate and facilitate new business ventures and events in Old Town is getting a makeover thanks to the generosity of a long-time supporter and property owner.
 
Renovations to the Old Town Commercial Association building at 1232 Turner Street include expanding two floors of office space and adding a 4,000-square foot private loft as the third story. Contractors are working to raise the ceiling height, reconfigure storage space, and create a private office on the second floor. An adjacent warehouse will be converted into retail space and two parking bays to complete the 6,000-square foot project.
 
The renovations, says OTCA Executive Director Louise Gradwohl, are privately funded through building owner Clair Lindemann, who also owns several adjoining storefronts on Turner Street.
 
"Clair loves this area and the community," says Gradwohl. "It's been his dream to build a loft on top of OTCA."
 
Lindemann plans to move to OTCA loft addition with his wife, Connie, come fall.
 
"I've had the property there for years and like city living," says Lindemann. "It made sense to make a new living space there and to make Old Town our home."
 
Lindemann says renovations to the OTCA office will increase useable space by about 40 percent, and make for a brighter, community-friendly feel. Upgrades to the physical structure will include exterior painting and brickwork as well as the addition of industrial metal siding.
 
"When we put all the plans together and looked at all the options, we decided that making the office roomier and more open made sense for the type of work they do," he says. "We're also opening up about 1,000 square feet of retail space that was previously underused as a warehouse and storage."
 
Sources: Louise Gradwohl, Executive Director, Old Town Commercial Association
Clair Lindemann, Property Owner, Old Town
Writer: Ann Kammerer, Development News Editor