New Local Business to Occupy First Floor
SALISBURY, MD – October 28, 2019 – Gillis Gilkerson, one of the most stable and trusted Construction Management, General Contracting and Development firms on Delmarva, joined by Salisbury Mayor Jake Day, broke ground today for construction to start on The Powell Building redevelopment at 218 West Main Street in downtown Salisbury.
The 45,000 square foot, five story, historic structure is being redeveloped to include 20 apartments and 10,000 square feet of commercial and retail space on the Main Street plaza and Camden Street ground level.
“Without the partnership of the city and Mayor Jake Day, this would not have been possible,” said Brad Gillis, principal, Gillis Gilkerson. “Jake is building a critical mass of commercial, cultural and civic activity in downtown Salisbury. As developers, we know this facilitates community growth and new business opportunities.”
Main Street Kids is one of the new businesses that will occupy 8,000 square feet on the first floor. The space will be designed to replicate a mini version of a city for children and parents to interact.
“When we saw the 20-foot ceilings we knew it would fit our concept perfectly,” said Keith White, owner. “We were looking for high ceilings to create what looks like outdoor space with blue skies, telephone poles and streetlights but is really indoors and safe for children to navigate. We are excited to be a part of bringing families to Salisbury’s downtown plaza and providing an opportunity for all the local businesses to benefit from.”
Gillis Gilkerson vice president Tyler Barnes said completion is scheduled for summer 2020. For first floor commercial space leasing opportunities at The Powell Building, contact Brad Gillis with NAI Coastal at 410-543-5115.
Gillis Gilkerson has been leading the charge to revitalize downtown Salisbury since its inception, for more than three decades. Its redevelopment portfolio includes the Hess Building, Riverview Commons, the Wicomico State’s Attorney’s Office, the Gallery Building, the Gateway Building, Fire Station 16, 110 West Main Street and 118 North Division Street in Salisbury.
About Gillis Gilkerson
In its 36th year of building and real estate development on Delmarva, award-winning Gillis Gilkerson has built a reputation as one of the most trusted and stable Construction Management and General Contracting firms on the Peninsula. From new commercial construction to renovation, the company’s construction managers offer broad and deep experience in diverse industries such as medical, industrial, manufacturing, hotels, multi-family housing, houses of worship, restaurants, retail, schools and more. Its full-service real estate development expertise offers custom solutions for land purchase, building program development, turnkey project management, obtaining permits and approvals, property management, property marketing, purchase, lease and lease/purchase options. The team works in conjunction with architects, government planners, engineers, surveyors, inspectors, contractors and leasing agents to manage the development process from concept to completion.
About The Powell Building
Originally custom built as a Montgomery Ward that opened in 1938, The Powell Building also served as home to Vernon Powell Shoes since the late 40’s. Its last tenant, a hair salon that occupied a small space on the first floor, moved out in 2017, leaving the building completely vacant. In 2017 Gillis Gilkerson signed a deal to buy the building from owner Joseph Wright with an obligation to identify a main tenant and redevelop the building.
