It’s been looming on the corner for years now – burnt out and unloved, but now plans are in motion to restore the old Area News Building to it’s former glory.
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For Pat Sergi, who bought the building with his business partner Robert Cappello, the labour of love is proving to be a treasure trove of finds – hidden tunnels anyone?
“I was looking for a lump of gold! I thought there would be something interesting but there hasn’t been so far, but we don’t know what they were used for,” Mr Sergi said.
While not buried treasure, other gems resurfaced including some old printers which were found and given to the current Area News team and donated to Griffith Pioneer Park Museum, and photos marking special moments in Griffith’s history.
“The box of photos had some interesting characters in the town I have known for years,” Mr Sergi said.
“It’s all part of our history, we don’t want to loose them.”
While the facade and floorboards will stay - with maybe a few little interesting things added to it to enhance it – all other work will be idealised to keep and showcase the original character.
“I’m looking forward to sinking my hands into this one - the the community is as well, it’s been sitting here too long as it is.
“This is more special than any other project I’ve done before - it will have a lot of love, it’s a bit more personal.”
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With just a day or so of works under the belt, Mr Sergi has already had prospective buyers and interested parties show enthusiasm, however he says it must “go to the right person.”
“There is something special about the building – and it will need to end up as something special.”