Some renovation work is underway at the former Legate Building in downtown Owen Sound.
City Manager Tim Simmonds says interior structural work — including new steel beams — as well as the installation of a new facade, windows and roof have begun at the property — which is owned by SMB Inc.
The property is located in the heart of downtown just south of city hall, at 790 2nd Avenue East. It was the longtime home of Legate Furniture Store, which closed in 2015.
“I think the most recent work was the removal of the deteriorating facade and that probably would have been a couple of years ago,” says Simmonds. “Always had the intent to refurbish the building, I think from when they initially purchased it and had wanted to renovate and do something with the property and has just come around to doing that now.”
While Simmonds does not know what kind of business could end up at the property, he says the owner has indicated it would like the restoration work to be completed in the next three to four months.
“It was a special place. It’s been a long standing retail corner. It has a lot of potential,” Simmonds says. “And I think just for the downtown River District in general, having properties brought back to life is great for everybody and the other retailers in the city.”
“The River District is really the heart of our community and we continue to try and improve upon it.”
