NORWICH – With clearance from the Common Council, a Norwich-based company has been approved for a city loan that will help the clean up and maintenance of one of downtown’s most conspicuous properties.

The loan – given in the amount of $25,000 – was made available through the city’s Economic Development Revolving Loan Program earlier this year. With a hope to invest in the rehabilitation of their properties at 33 and 37-39 N. Broad St. (the current home of Ace Furniture and Things), SMS Enterprises was awarded the loan by council members following a close review and favorable recommendation by the city’s loan committee.

For now, plans are to utilize funding to repair the structure’s roof and siding on the backside of the building, explained SMS Enterprises co-owner Bill Smith. “At the moment, we’re still working on the basics to get the property looking better,” he said. Contractors have already completed some of the necessary work and presently, he said he and his business partner are considering new options for the second and third floors of the left side of the property, where a bank was once housed.