ANDERSON — Work on the demolition and remodeling of the former Marsh store on Nichol Avenue is expected to start within the next few weeks.
The Anderson Community Development Corp. on Friday approved a third draw to KennMar, the developer of the project, in the amount of $95,518 of which the city of Anderson will provide $88,209.
KennMar is developing the property for a Needler’s grocery store and Ace Hardware.
“There will be significant changes to the façade,” Greg Winkler, executive director of the Anderson Economic Development Department, said. “Plans for the exterior of the building have been approved by the state.”
Winkler said there will be separate entrances for the grocery and hardware stores.
“Bids have been received,” he said for the exterior work. “We lost several months as a result of the Phase 2 environmental studies that were required to secure financing for the project.”
All of the asbestos ceiling and floor tiles have been abated, Winkler said, and KennMar is planning to open the grocery and hardware stores by the end of the year.
The Marsh store on Nichol Avenue closed in 2017.
KennMar is investing $1.5 million in the project. They purchased the building from the Anderson Redevelopment Commission for $500,000.
The Anderson Redevelopment Commission is providing $7.2 million to be released in phases to upgrade the store.
The store needs a new heating and air conditioning system, flooring, electronics and plumbing.
Those funds will be recaptured from tax revenues on the increased assessed value of the property.
The developer has to commit to operating the grocery store and hardware store for a minimum of 10 years.
