A significant upgrade to a building in downtown Polson is moving forward after the Polson City Commission last week awarded the project a $17,000 grant through the Polson Redevelopment Agency.

Local developer Steven Speckert is planning to remodel the interior and exterior of the building at 302 Main Street. The building consists of six professional business offices that front Main Street and three store fronts that face Third Avenue. Apartments are on the second floor.

The 100-year-old building is in blighted condition, and according to Speckert, it has a 40 percent vacancy rate.

“With the current condition of the building it will be hard to fill the vacancies with quality sustainable businesses,” Speckert wrote in his grant application.

If the building is renovated, he believes the vacancy rate could lower to about 5 percent. He plans to start recruiting new tenants for the building during the renovation process.

The Polson Redevelopment Agency grant will go toward exterior upgrades, estimated to cost about $40,000.

Exterior improvements include new paint, adding awnings to four of the store fronts, and adding decorative rock and metal siding to three of the store fronts. Repairs to the deck and roof are also planned.

“Almost every building surrounding this building has been revitalized in recent years,” Speckert stated. “I believe that revitalizing this building would also add to the appeal and appearance of Main Street.”

“I am passionate to see downtown Polson survive economically and socially and look forward to seeing this project to completion.”

The Polson Redevelopment Agency board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the grant.

“It’s a significant upgrade to a highly visible corner on Main Street,” Redevelopment Agency Chair Karen Dunwell told the City Commission.

She noted that it’s also the home of the farmers market.

“We think it’s a good investment for the community,” Dunwell added.

At the hearing, commissioner Carolyn Pardini expressed concerns about the possibility of mold in the building.

Speckert said that there is no indication that mold exists, but nevertheless, he plans to complete extensive testing and will remediate any issues that might arise.

“If there is the possibly of mold, there won’t be when I’m done with this building,” he said.

The commission voted unanimously in favor of awarding the grant.