MASON, Mich. — The vacant building near the courthouse square on W. Maple St. in downtown Mason is expected to be torn down soon and replaced.
"Right now it's kind of an eyesore. There's a broken window. It'll be great to have something in there that looks nice and brings new business and new people into the area," said Tammy Weber, Owner of Mason Floral at 124 W. Maple St.
The owner of the more than century-old vacant building that used to be the old Mason Shoe Store plans to demolish and replace it with three-story retail, shopping, and residential space.
The picture displayed is not a final rendering of the building.
"it looks nice. It would be a nice building here for the community," Weber said.
Russell Whipple, the Mayor of Mason said this change will hopefully further enhance downtown and bring more people to the area.
"Although this involves only one residence, it's my hope that whatever retail and office space that goes in will make it an even more desired place to live, because there might be more opportunities to work or shop, or whatever people like to do," he said.
Whipple said he's unsure how many jobs the new space could bring to the area, but It's a welcome change for nearby shop owners in the area, including Weber.
"Hopefully a business goes in there that brings more people walking down through past our shop. That would be nice," she said.
An official date has not been set for the current building's demolition, although it could begin by the Spring.
