The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce is moving to a new location.
The organization recently purchased 206 E. Court Street from Zach and Jessica Six of Six Insurance Services.
"This is an historic event for the chamber," said President Whitney Gentry, "in looking through records, I don't believe the chamber has ever owned a building. They've always rented."
In the 80's and 90's the Chamber was in locations on South Main Street and West Court. Currently at 101 E. East Street, the organization has rented that space from the Fayette County Commissioners for over 20 years. The board felt the time was right to for the organization to have its own building and an increased downtown presence.
"The Commissioners have been great to work with and we appreciate all they've done for us," said Gentry."
According to Chamber Board Chair, Merleen Van Dyke, the new building will include a meeting space for the board, or training courses offered by the Chamber.
"The Chamber is about supporting business and the local economy, what better way to do that than to become property owners in the business district of our county seat," said Chamber Board Chair Merleen Van Dyke.
There are also two apartments upstairs that could be rented, although there is not an immediate plan to do so. Previous owners, and chamber members, Six Insurance Services will be moving to 730 Leesburg Avenue to the former Pat's Ceramics building. They are in the process of renovating their new location.
"It's a win-win really, the Chamber will have a new home, and Six Insurance will update and occupy a previously vacant building," said Gentry.
Chamber officials expect to move in June, after completing a few remodeling projects on the building. The organization plans to work with Fayette County, the City of Washington and the Community Block Development Grant to use funds from the Downtown Façade Loan Program to partially fund some of the upgrades.
"We are excited about the future of the Chamber of Commerce, and Fayette County, and look forward to being part of the downtown community," said Gentry.