Levin Brothers Building on Main Street. Click to enlarge.
photo by John Wilson
The historic Levin Building on East Main Street has new owners and another chance for renewed life.
Neeld Messler and John Santero of the Revival Group brought the roofless, but once magnificent, structure, along with another old building to the east.
The same group is also working on the Lofts on Main across the street.
Mr. Santero said historic preservation architect Thomas Johnson is working out a plan to shore up the Levin Brothers Building so it can be cleared of debris and then restored.
"It will be a difficult project, but he has figured out a way," Mr. Santero said.
He said the plan is to have retail on the ground floor and 7-9 two-story loft apartments above that. The apartment occupants will have rooftop access.
The Cornerstones preservation group earlier said it was making a $50,000 loan to help make the restoration of the Levin Brothers Building possible. John Wise of Wise Construction was planning to do the work at that time.
The property earlier was bought from a Sewanee man. The handsome brick building had been on the market for a lengthy time. The roof collapsed during heavy rains last year.
It dates to 1890.
John Santero, left, with Paul Parker of county real property.
photo by John Wilson