News : Hainstocks welcome VU members to remodeled building

Rich Hainstock points out the changes he is making to the building.

Rich Hainstock explains to Bill Owens how he has repaired the back wall of the building.

Rich and Mary Jo Hainstock welcomed Vinton Unlimited members to their building Monday night as VU resumed its "After Hours" event.

This spring, the Hainstocks purchased the building which had most recently been the home of the Vinton Eagle. Rich is leading the remodeling effort, doing much of the work himself and hiring a few others to help.

The first project was to repair the roof and replace windows on the top floor. That project is done, and it has changed the appearance of the exterior. But for now, said Hainstock, he has no immediate plans to renovate the upstairs area.

The first new tenant is Cedar River Ink. Genesis Development's new area is nearly finished; they will begin moving in Friday. A third area, near the back (west end) of the building will also be transformed into an office area. North Star plans to move into that area by Dec. 1, said Hainstock.

When the south half of the building is finished, Hainstock will then turn his attention to the north half. He said Monday that the market seems to have a high demand for smaller office space, so it's likely that he will do the same thing with the north half as he did with the south part -- create two or more office areas and offer them for rent.