We began work on the www.downtowncampbellsville.com project to promote the value of historic downtown online.  Merchant Tower is a key component.

December 2008: Christmas lights hang from balcony for the 1st time in 20 years. Harsh winds blow apart the 2nd story entryway. More plywood added on the windows to keep the wind forces out.

October 2008: The interior is now opened up to the studs.

Removing thousands of nails from remain studs. Estimating 200,000 nails to remove from 100 year old oak.

Adding internal bracing to prepare for winter.

September 2008: Removal of all lathe and plaster. Demolition of the back of the building….

August 2008: Demolition to open up the 2nd floor begins. The renovation has an immediate positive impact on the value of downtown real estate prices.

Late-July 2008: A city demolition permit is issued. A certified hazmat contractor successfully removes a small amount of pipe insulation (asbestos) from the basement and bird droppings from the 3rd story. The building is now hazmat free. A demolition contractor begins to open up the 3rd story walls, ceiling, and attic for inspection.

Mid-July 2008: A new 1″ water tap and meter is installed by the City of Campbellsville ($700). New electric service (temporary) now lights the building for the first time in years. Video camera inspections of the clay sewer pipes find they are in good shape, however all old sewer pipes will be capped off and replaced with modern materials (PVC). Some windows are opened to allow light and ventilation.

July 1, 2008 – Day 1: Rescue is under way as of July 1, 2008 and will take approximately 180 days. The goal of the rescue phase is to save the brick facade on Main Street and South Columbia and make portions of the building water tight. A boundary fence, dumpster, and new signage were installed on day 1.