A plain downtown building that has not been used within memory is set to become a vibrant, sparkling showplace.
Officials on Thursday outlined how the four-story John Ross Building that was part of the old Newton Chevrolet will become a logistics headquarters.
Architect Bob Franklin said, "It is the premiere site left downtown. It is a gateway building."
He said the building will be transformed from the current dreary concrete walls to all glass up to the roof. It is also planned to make use of the roof.
Officials said the building could stay at four floors or the sturdy structure could see up to four more floors added.
John Bowes, of the nearby Freight Waves startup, said it is the vision of local trucking pioneer Craig Fuller to make the building a logistics center.
He said it will feature a studio on the first floor for live stream broadcasts about new developments in the logistics industry.
A garage opening at the corner of Broad and Fourth will be used from time to time to bring in different vehicles that are the latest trend in transportation as a backdrop and prop for the filming.
Mr. Bowes said it will take at least two years to set up the studio.
Officials said an existing elevator will be taken out as well as ramps that were used for vehicle storage.
The upper floors will be marketed as office space for logistic-related companies.
Officials said an existing curb cut for the old garage door opening will be replaced with an eight-inch curb in order to discourage vehicles from using the curb cut. Mr. Bowes said when truck cabs and other large vehicles are moved into the building that portable ramps can be put down temporarily.
Movement of the vehicles into the building would be carried out "in the middle of the night," it was stated.
The overhead garage door will also be constructed of glass, it was stated.
Jason Havron, chairman of the Form Based Code Committee, said, "It's nice to see something going into that building that has been sitting there for I don't know how many years.
After the John Ross Building is converted, Freight Waves will continue in its current offices on the east side of Market Street near Fourth, officials said.