NORWICH – The vacant third floor of the Norwich fire house is nearing completion of an extensive interior overhaul, but city officials still aren’t sure what the newly renovated space will be used for when it’s finished.

Renovations of the third floor have been underway for weeks, with construction crews installing electrical wiring and LED lights, doing drywall repair, updating the bathrooms, and putting in a drop ceiling. Carpeting will also be installed.

The project is made possible by state grant funds which were awarded to the city last fall. Funds come by way of the State and Municipalities Capital Program which assists cities, towns and villages throughout the state with upgrades and maintenance projects for buildings and other municipal infrastructure. Last October, State Senator Tom Libous (R-52nd Senatorial District) announced that $100,000 was secured for the City of Norwich.

While use for the third floor after renovations is still up in the air, Norwich City Mayor Joseph Maiurano said he and members of the Common Council are open to ideas. To date, options include turning the third floor into a multi-purpose room that can accommodate training events and seminars for profit and nonprofit organizations, fire training for Norwich and other surrounding departments, political gatherings and refuge space for residents during emergencies and disasters.