set for

renovation

Staff Writer

A local firm plans to preserve the historic character of the old Meador Oil Co. building while renovating it as office space for business meetings.

Tuesday, Union City Council unanimously approved first reading of an ordinance rezoning the property located at 1101 East Main St. from R-10 Residential to A-2 Highway Commercial. The change was requested by Titus Properties which owns the building and is planning to renovate the building for commercial tenants. The front section of the building is being rented by Game Tyme and the rest is used for storage.

Titus Properties is owned by Ben and Glenn Ivey and the former said that the renovation of the building will be designed to preserve its historic character. The building was originally the Meador Oil Co. and later became Willard Oil Co. Ivey said the company is in the process establishing the age of the building to restore it to its original appearance as much as possible in order to honor the memory the Meador Oil Co. and its role in the community.

The interior of the building will be renovated as day offices and conference rooms that will be available to both local contractors and companies from outside the communities needing meeting space. Ivey said that some local contractors currently work out of their homes while businesses coming into town for a day or two have to use lobbies at local motels. He said the renovated Meador building could provide them with the space both groups need for meeting with clients, business negotiations and planning sessions.

Titus also owns property adjacent to the site that was once owned by Meador Oil but is in the county. Ivey said the company hopes to develop that site as well.

The development of both properties is also part of the company's plans to help improve that section of Main Street. Ivey said the company hopes that with the renovations and the office space it will boost economic activity in the area. The company also plans to install new lighting to help make the area safer as well.

Ivey added that Game Tyme will continue to operate out of the front section of the building.