Chillicothe Gazette: Interior demolition kicks off Carlisle work

Matthew Kent, Chillicothe Gazette Staff Writer – June 18th, 2014
Work on the renovation of the historic Carlisle Building is underway with some interior demolition and the installation of utilities at the structure.

Jeff Klecka, construction foreman with the Chesler Group, said Wednesday that crews were performing demolition inside in addition to putting in electrical and water lines at the site.

“Within a month, they’re going to start tearing down the back,” Klecka said.

Scaffolding work is expected to begin next week at the building as part of renovations being led by the Cleveland-based Chesler Group, with a target reopening date in fall 2015.

Adena Health System will be the main tenant, using the space for offices and living space for medical students.

The developer of the building, Michael Chesler, closed on the building last month and signed a 15-year lease with Adena in February. The downtown landmark has stood unoccupied since a 2003 fire damaged it.

Several efforts have been launched to renovate the structure in the years since the fire, but none gained any traction until the partnership between Adena and Chesler was formed.

Sidewalks surrounding the Carlisle are blocked off because of the ongoing work, which could cause minor delays for motorists because of construction vehicles in the area.

Chesler previously told The Gazette that stabilization efforts involving the Carlisle were estimated to take four to six months.