It's out with the old and in with the new in Callaway. A new commercial demolition grant created by the cities Community Redevelopment Agency is offering a helping hand to commercial land owners.
The program provides up to $10,000 to match funds for commercial properties to help eliminate buildings having a negative impact on the cities economic growth. The owners of the old Round the Clock Laundry building on Tyndall Parkway are the first to apply and first to be approved for the grant. The buildings owner has the land up for sale and hopes the demolition of the building would draw in potential buyers for the property.
It's a case of good intentions gone bad. But what could have been, now isn't.
"It's highly visible from Tyndall Parkway so its been an issue for the city for some time," said Callaway planning Director Michael Fuller.
However, it's a perfect time for the city to put into play the new grant. And no one would like to see that more than the sites neighbors Doral bank.
"We will be very proud to have new shiny neighbors," said Mandy Pitts the Callaway Branch Manager of Doral Bank.
Fitting of the situation Doral bank has its very own Cinderella story.
"We basically bought the property and tore it down except the outer four walls it was complete renovation," said Pitts.
Now a gleaning bright spot in the city bank officials are happy hearing the news.
"I was very excited and pleased to hear that this organization was actually going to step in and help the owners of the property to improve on it," said Pitts.
"They need help and that's what the grant is there for," said Fuller.
Hector Bautista is the buildings owner. The city says Bautista was the first to apply for the new grant and the first to be rewarded it.
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