Staff Photo/Paulding County Progress

GAZEBO REFURBISHED – The gazebo on the courthouse square recently received a facelift by restoration specialists with The Traditions Group out of Grandview. Workers had noticed the structure’s roof was in less than top shape while renovating the courthouse dome. The new roofing material matches that on the courthouse for a coordinated look, while a new coat of white paint makes the gazebo really stand out. The condition of the benches inside was also improved. A spokesman from the county commissioners’ office said the county paid for roofing materials and labor, while The Traditions Group donated the paint.

Thanks to everyone involved in this project. This is a great asset for downtown. Now we just need a string quartet. Oh, and some smooth jazz  music.

Can we help clean this up? People have offered help.

Repair and restoration work continues on the building that houses the Pastime Cafe. The owners, Mike and Marcie Iler, understand the importance of maintaining their building. They do a great job of keeping the inside clean and attractive. Further, they understand that what people perceive from the appearance of the outside of building is how the prospective customer perceives how well the inside is maintained and that it also reflects how the customer perceives the quality of their product. The building is an investment essential to their business, but also it is a major investment that if the building is well maintained will retain its value and be a marketable asset.

This picture is of the exterior of the building as work continues. The exterior has been pressure washed, masonry
work is being done, trim and other elements are being painted. The one parapet that was damaged in the storm is being constructed to match the one on the top right side of the roof iine, not visible in this picture. He is considering replacing the second story windows to their original historical size and design. Adjoining building owners should thank this couple for these improvements that also increase the value of the property on the block, you may not think so, but it surely does. If other owners of buildings on either side of this block of Perry St. would just follow this building owners’ lead it would exponentially increase the value and marketability, to sell or lease, of their buildings. This is exactly what it will take to turn this block into a more attractive retail area. When doing repairs, the repairs should be done by professionals who are qualified to do plumbing, electrical and structural construction and repairs, Do not do just a cosmetic fix for it will not last and will have to be addressed again later.
Mike is a Paulding and Paulding county landmark enthusiast as is reflected in the many pictures of Paulding historical buildings and landmarks displayed on the walls in the restaurant.

Thank you so very much, my pride in Paulding is increasing, a  slow increase as it maybe, I am still optimistic  Just an incurable optimist. “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood”, Daniel Burnham, Director of the 1893 Columbian Exposition, Chicago.

Thanks to the County for making this needed replacement. This certainly improves the appearance of the downtown. Now, if we can just get those second story windows replaced to their original size and design. This would be an investment in maintaining the value of the buildings. We need someone to take the lead in starting to renovate the downtown buildings. If you ever hope to attract business to Paulding we need to improve the appearance of the town.