Corsicana Daily Sun, Corsicana, Texas

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April 8, 2008

History uncovered

A new ‘old’ look planned for downtown building

While perhaps not quite the draw that last year’s “Big Dig” was, downtown Corsicana was host Monday to spectators watching a bit of Corsicana history unveiled as the metal exterior on the old Tekell Furniture building was removed.

Behind that decades-old metal front is a remarkably well-preserved brick facade in line with many of the historic buildings downtown, much to the delight of the building’s new owners, who plan a full restoration of the building’s original look.

Purchased by attorney Lowell Dunn and his sister, the former furniture store will be the new home of a family-owned business, Canterbury Court, along with some office space upstairs, and lease space with a storefront adjacent to their business.

“He’s doing a beautiful job with it maintaining the structure’s integrity,” said Malinda Sharpley, Corsicana’s Main Street Director. “We’re just thrilled that he’s taken this on.”

Sharpley said the metal facade on the building, hiding the historic storefront look, had been in place since the 1970s. The brick and mortar behind the metal survived the years, and the elements, surprisingly well.

“This particular job ... was done really well. The brackets were sensitively attached to the structure. Nothing was damaged in the original installation or the removal,” she said.

Dunn did some research on the building before undertaking the project. While the outside is in good shape, much of the interior of the building will undergo a complete renovation.

“We’ve put a lot of work into it, and have a lot more to go,” he said. “We anticipate we’ll paint (the facade) and we should be doing good ... the interior has been a total rehaul.”

“This is a thrill to have expanding businesses locate downtown, and remain downtown,” Sharpley said. “It’s a great thing. That’s what downtown revitalization is all about.”

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Bob Belcher may be reached via e-mail at belcher@corsicanadailysun.com

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