Vacant Biltwell building being refurbished

Will be retail outlet/office space

By Jim Obert

Business Today

FARMINGTON -- The former Biltwell clothing manufacturing facility, at the corner of A and First streets, is set to become a three-story retail outlet with high-tech office space among its amenities.

The block and brick building has been vacant for several years. Biltwell operated in the building for about 70 years before foreign imports caused it to close.

The building has been donated by the Brodsky family to Friends of the Family, a local non-profit organization started by David Braun. The organization aims to provide assistance to children who need a positive mentor.

Last year Braun sold his interest in Workforce Solutions, a Farmington-based employment agency, to start Friends of the Family. He had intended to fund the organization from profits from a second-hand furnishing outlet, not a huge building.

"I didn't expect anything like this," said Braun. "I just was looking for a couple hundred feet of retail space."

Braun said renovation of the building will be done in phases, and the first phase will begin soon. It calls for relocating the dance studio of the Ballet Arts Center of Bonne Terre to a section of the basement. The Farmington Thrift Store will be have a shop there, and vendors will also occupy space.

Braun said the second phase is expected to start in October and be completed by spring 2003. It will involve outfitting a floor of the building with high-tech office suites.

"We plan to wire the floor with high-speed DSL lines and install new lighting," said Braun, adding that new heating and air conditioning systems will also be installed.

Braun said office space can be built to the needs of the tenant. So far two tenants have indicated they will open offices there.

A recreation center and art studio are being considered as part of the third phase of the renovation. Braun said the building has some special features that would accommodate such things as a climbing wall, a game room and a three-story slide.

Braun and Betty Forsythe, who is helping to market The Factory, have begun selling furniture out of a room there. Braun said he expects some leases to be signed soon. He thinks the building could accommodate as many as 60 businesses. There are about 130 parking spaces nearby.

All profits from the undertaking will be invested in Friends of the Family, which will put mentors in contact with children, and possibly adults, who need someone to speak to. The goal is to reduce child abuse and neglect in St. Francis County. Braun said there are about 1,000 children in the county who could benefit from the program.

Braun said mentors will complete a training program and have a thorough background check..

After nearly seven decades of use as a clothing manufacturer, the former Biltwell building will get a new look -- and new mission.

PIC -- The former Biltwell clothing manufacturing facility, at the corner of A and First streets, is set to become a three-story retail outlet with high-tech office space available. BT/Jim Obert