Commissioners unanimously approved transferring the Bowron Building to the Marion Advancement Campaign Monday.
The building needs a new roof and other repairs, but Marion economic development director Randy Collett hopes to have them done within six months.
“Our history and heritage is a priceless thing,” he said. “The Bowron Building is part of Marion’s history, it’s been here since 1886.”
Possibilities for the space include a retail space, a studio apartment, and a small theater. “I look at, not just Marion, but Hillsboro too, and see buildings along Main St. that have been for sale a long time or finally sold for 10 to 20 percent of what they originally asked,” Commissioner Becker said. “If I weigh that against the tax benefit of getting it back onto the roles, I’m leaning toward transferring it.”
The advancement campaign is considering partnering with Marion Land Bank to provide a tax abatement to whomever uses the space.
(Read more: HILLSBORO Star-Journal)