NORWICH – The city was awarded $200k by the state last week to renovate a vacant downtown building that officials hope to flip as a viable retail or commercial space – maybe even a restaurant.

The city took possession of the Frames Unlimited Building, located at 24 E. Main St., in July on back taxes. The two-story, 3,850 square foot wood-framed structure hasn’t been in use for roughly two years, according to city officials. For over two decades, it was the site of Casey Jones’ Photography Studio.

“Structurally the building is in reasonably good condition, but there is still a lot work that needs to be done,” said Planning and Community Development Specialist Todd Dreyer, noting majority of the interior needs upgrading, along with the exterior siding. “It’s going to be pretty much a top-to-bottom rehab.”

As part of the renovations, funded by the Restore NY program, the first floor will be designed for retail, dining or commercial use, with the second floor being divided into two one-bedroom apartments.

“We’d like to see a retail-type business, something along those lines,” Mayor Joseph P. Maiurano said. “The space is suited for any type of business, really.”