UPDATE | Historic group working with cyber leaders on building renovation

Monday, Oct. 9, 2017

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Take a stroll or drive downtown, and you've probably driven past the famous "Get Up Augusta" mural. It’s a phrase emblazoned on plywood covering a condemned building on Broad Street.

But when you look past the mural, you'll find a vacant, run-down building -- that's been empty for more than 30 years -- that's about to get a new lease on life, while still preserving its charm.

“Why not invest in what we’ve got,” said Erick Montgomery of Historic Augusta, Inc.

It’s called the Beehive building because it used to house a children’s clothing store. Now, it’s owned by Loop, a local cybersecurity company.

“The elevation of interest and the excitement about cyber, it gave us this oomph that we’ve needed for a while so people aren’t as afraid to invest in historic buildings," said Montgomery.

Loop is working with Historic Augusta to make sure the renovation is up to historic preservation standards, which means tax breaks for the company.

There are a few kinds of tax breaks associated with the project: federal investment, state investment, and property tax breaks.

"Those standards call for respecting the original character, fabric, and details of the building," said Montgomery.

The building is pretty much gutted, and Loop will have to work with what’s left inside. For businesses located next door, they’re excited for what their new neighbors will bring.

"It's gonna get busier so that's gonna be something we'll have to adjust with,” said Elizabeth Cornelson with New Moon Cafe, “but seeing all of these different businesses come in is not only going to attract more business at the locations we already have but also bring more businesses.”

It’ll be at least 2019 until Loop opens its doors, they say they’re hoping to start construction early next year.

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- The historic Beehive building on Broad Street is getting three new tenants.

The structure, soon-to-be-named "972 Broad" will house LOOP, Milestone Construction, and 3D Development. All three are described as home-grown companies that "are enthusiastic about their move downtown."

Renovations to the 8,000 square foot building will begin in January of 2018 and are expected to continue for one year.

Architecture firm Dickinson Architects has been retained to lead the design of the project in concert with Milestone Construction as the general contractor.