As if that weren't enough . . .

The News and Record reported this past weekend that a partnership bought the old Southeastern Building on the corner of Market and Elm Streets (across from the JP building) and plans to convert it into residential units on the top floors and retail/office on the bottom floors. The nine story building will be restored to its 1918 look, which had huge columns flanking the exterior of the first two floors along Elm and Market. Construction will not start for at least another year. I think that, if done right, this could be the most desirable apartment/condo building downtown.

Other newcomers to the downtown scene I left off my last update--Thai it Up (next to Blumenthal's on S. Elm) and the Pour House (where 360/The Blue Hour/etc. used to be . . . I predict another failure, not to be debbie downer). Also a Thai Restaurant is going in to the right of Fincastles, to open later this year.