It’s astounding to see how the facade of Avalon’s 678 Main Street building has broken out of its chrysalis. Not only that, but the building is giving a huge lift to the respective block of Main Street (fronting the light rail tunnel entrance). The building is located next to the JR Barrington Building (formerly Birzon), which is also coming along nicely – the buildings will be connected when work is complete, providing expansion space for PLS 3rd Learning and Daily Post, both of which are located in 678 Main.
“We are connecting my building (678) with the Barrington on the 1st and 2nd floors,” says Jacobs. “My first floor tenant (Daily Post) is taking a good portion of the 1st floor in the Barrington and my second floor tenant (3rd Learning) will take the entire 2nd floor of Barrington. Then there will be nine residential units on the 3rd floor. There is also a retail/commercial space on Pearl Street, which is going two-way shortly.”
Restoration work began on the ornate terra cotta 678 Main building in November of 2010 – “The Main Street side of the complex is a mix of commercial and retail uses and the back is two live/work loft apartments.”
Commercial tenant 3rd Learning Systems relocated from smaller space in one of the buildings Jacobs renovated in the 700 block of Main Street. The company designs educational software and have leased the entire second floor.
Another commercial tenant, Daily Post, is also leasing space in the building. Daily Post provides high-end editorial and motion graphics for broadcast and news media sources.
The terra cotta on the façade has been repaired and cleaned, new windows were installed, and storefronts have been replaced. An ornate lead-lined window over the main entrance was uncovered and restored.
From past BRO article, regarding Jacobs’ desire to restore the building:
Rather than building new, Jacobs chooses time and time again to restore and reuse what already exists. He enjoys the challenges which old buildings present and strives to “create unique spaces which are not cookie cutter.”
Avalon’s building interiors are typically loft-like with exposed brickwork, hardwood floors and exposed duct work and ceiling joists. The space seems to attract creative, web-based and start-up companies.
The ground floor retains much of its original architectural features which will be highlighted by the completion date. Some of these features include ornate tin ceilings, hardwood floors, arched openings, and circular plaster reliefs.
With other projects along Main Street already completed by Jacob, he felt confident in doing another. Since the building was available when he was looking for another project he jumped at the opportunity to continue rehabbing buildings in the Theater District.
Get Connected: Avalon Development, 716.856.0810