New Upper Story Apartments and Commercial Spaces being built in Downtown Blackstone
One of the biggest success stories in the drive to revitalize the commercial district in Historic Downtown Blackstone has to be the herculean effort that Joe Borum is undertaking of restoring and adding apartments upstairs in the H.L. Jackson building which at the outset was being considered for demolition. Joe wisely put the task of overseeing the project in the capable hands of his daughter-in-law, Debbie Borum who graciously took me on a tour of the construction project. Here is a sneak peek. Kenbridge Construction is the firm contracted to do the work seen in these photos.
Phase 1: The demolition work
Phase one of the project was to demolish the cinder block addition from the side of the building.
Once this was done, the original building is revealed and room is created to drive around the back where a gated parking lot will be put in for the convenience of the tenants of the apartments.
Notice the differences in these two photos. You see the "lean-to" overhang has been re-roofed. This will make an ideal drive through for whatever business winds up occupying the downstairs.
Notice also the framework for new Historically accurate windows in the upper level. The Borums were required to bring the building up to historical standards as required by the National Park Service which governs the standards of rehabilitation necessary to qualify for tax credits.
When you combine the paving done on Brown and Broad with the construction the net affect is a huge upgrade in the quality of the area, the standard of living and the vibrancy of the town.
PHASE 2: The Framing of the Apartments
Upstairs in the Doswell building will be 2 apartments, one with a view of W. Broad Street below.
Large windows and unique views come with the territory and each unit has a unique layout.
This is a future bathroom, the tile is from another era. A common hallway connects the units.
Upstairs in the H.L. Jackson building will be two one bedroom apts. and one two bedroom unit.
Windows had to be custom made to fit the larger than normal openings in the historic building.
Here Debbie Borum describes which rooms will be what and the framework gives an outline.