The Washington City Council met in regular session Tuesday evening. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

Hobart Historic Restoration, LLC of Cedar Rapids, has submitted offers to purchase the old calendar factory at 628 East Third Street and Goncho Apartments at 306 North Marion Avenue and the Washington City Council approved applications to make redeveloping the properties into apartments more feasible. City Administrator Brent Hinson explained the same measure was approved a year ago, with applications submitted for the Brownfield/Grayfield tax credit program. Hinson said the options are to support redevelopment or continue seeing decay.

The old calendar factory is located adjacent to industrial and residential properties and representatives from neighboring businesses expressed concerns at Tuesday’s council meeting. They want potential residents and the developers to be aware of the noise that occurs for normal business operations. Future changes to the buildings would have to be approved by the city’s planning and zoning commission.

Councilman Russ Zieglowsky stated it’s a “no brainer” to support the projects. Hinson added redeveloping the building that’s been abandoned for approximately 60 years is a win for the city.