The recent purchase of the Van Pelt Greenhouse and Florist shop on Garrison Ave. by Bob and Cathy Brown is nearly complete.
The Bob Brown American Family Agency moved to the location at the last of September. With approximately 90 percent of the renovation complete, Brown hopes to have everything completely wrapped up by mid-October.
“I believe with any renovation of a building this old, complications and setbacks are going to occur,” Brown said. “It’s a sound old building and that in itself creates some issues when you need to remodel and renovate to today’s office needs.”
When asked about the change in location, Brown believes it will benefit both him and his clients with better visibility, recognition and access.
“This building has been here for over 90 years, I’ve been told. I’ve had many calls from people, some I don’t even know, expressing their appreciation (for) not tearing the building down and renovating a place they have seen all their lives,” Brown said.
With the exception of installing some railings and landscaping, along with small amounts of painting, should complete the exterior work, at least he adds an “outside office” in the courtyard behind the building, which should take place sometime in early 2010.
“I’m very happy to be moved and hear the positive comments over the past three months,” Brown said. “We have a small city full of nice people here in Carthage.”
Brown’s office was previously located at 2038 S. Garrison Ave., in the Charles Burke Center.
