NORWICH – Renovations will continue over the next month-and-a-half to two months at 24 East Main St. – formerly the location of Frames Unlimited – and the property is now under contract for purchase, according to city officials.

Chris Hayes, owner of Hayes Office Products, has signed a sales contract with the city for ownership of the once dilapidated structure, rehabilitated as part of a third round of Restore NY grant funds awarded the city in the spring of 2010.

Planning and Community Development Specialist Todd Dreyer admitted that renovation of the structure – originally scheduled for completion in June – has taken longer than anticipated, but the approximately $230,000 project will be finished before it changes hands.

“It’s now in contract for purchase and we’re just waiting for the closing,” added Dreyer. “It’s a done deal pending the closing and renovations will continue until we reach that point.”

The vacant, 3,850 square foot building will feature a completely redesigned commercial space on the ground floor, as well as a pair of highly efficient, one bedroom apartments on the second floor. Once the renovation effort wraps up, the structure will include the same energy efficient appliances and heating and cooling systems as three other Restore NY properties located in the city, on Grove Avenue, Fair and Waite Streets.