Renovation of former Ideal Hardware building begins
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
David Camphouse/Pike Press
Doug Strothers worked to repair a brick arch over a second story window of the former Ideal Hardware building on the southwest corner of Washington and Madison on Pittsfield’s courthouse square Monday. The building was recently purchased by Vanessa and Josh Edgar, owners of Geared Up Custom Apparel and Awards and Abney Windows and Doors. The Edgars plan to house both businesses in the building and to have two Airbnb apartments upstairs.
Exterior repair work recently began on the former Ideal Hardware building on the southwest corner of Washington and Madison in Pittsfield.
The building was recently purchased by Vanessa and Josh Edgar, owners of Geared Up Custom Apparel and Awards and Abney Windows and Doors. The Edgars plan to house both businesses in the Ideal Hardware building and to have two Airbnb apartments on the second floor of the building.
According to Josh Edgar, he hopes to start more intensive renovation work starting in July.
“I’m planning to start working there in the next month,” Edgar said.
Edgar said that Geared Up would occupy the front of the building, facing Washington. Abney Windows and Doors will occupy the back portion of the building.
Edgar said that he was excited to be able to contribute to the redevelopment of Pittsfield’s historic downtown business district.
“I have a passion for historic buildings,” Edgar said. “I hate to see them go to waste. I never thought it was possible to own one of them, but now we do.”
Because it is so visible from the square and U.S. Highway 54, Edgar is looking forward to making cosmetic improvements to the building.
“I know it will help – adding new windows, white paint on the trim, and signs,” Edgar said. “You’ve seen what Whitetail has done. We just want to help improve the area.”
According to Edgar, the move to the new, larger space will allow for Geared Up to expand, which he hopes will help grow the local economy.
“With growth comes more employment and sales tax for the community,” Edgar said.
Elizabeth Peterson, Assistant Manager at Geared Up, stressed that Geared Up would remain open for business at its current 211 South Madison location until the business opened in the Ideal Hardware Building at 101 West Washington.
“We are purchasing all new equipment for the new location,” Peterson said. “It will be a smooth transition, with no down time. We are open for business.”
Pittsfield Mayor Gary Mendenhall expressed his support for the renovation of the vacant building by the Edgars.
“Obviously it’s going to revitalize another building in our downtown area,” Mendenhall said. “And it’s going to put another merchant on the square. I think the rehabilitation and reuse of a building that has been vacant for several years is great for the community.”
Professional artist and amateur historian Bill Beard said that the building has spent the majority of its life as a hardware store.
“Originally it was Lloyd’s hardware back in the late 1800s,” Beard wrote in a message. “It’s always been a hardware store since the building was built. Hess bought it later and renamed it Ideal Hardware.”
