Two years after we last checked in, construction continues for the renovation of the 105-year-old Merritt Building in Downtown Los Angeles.

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The nine-story building, located at the northwest corner of 8th Street and Broadway, was built in 1915 by railroad magnate Hulett C. Merritt.  The mid-rise structure is known for its exterior columns and white marble finish.

Bonnis Properties, a Vancouver-based real estate investment firm, acquired the Merritt Building in 2016 for approximately $24 million, and shortly thereafter commenced work on a project which would restore the property to its original appearance.

The renovation, designed by OKB Architecture, retains 6,000 square feet of retail space located on the ground-floor and basement.  Its upper floors, vacant since the 1980s, will offer 40,000 square feet of rentable space upon completion.

Plans also call for converting a previously unused rooftop space into an amenity deck, which would be coupled with interior features such as a gym and a lounge.

In addition to the Merritt Building, several neighboring historic properties are also in the midst of a restoration, including the Tower Theatre - which is being transformed into an Apple Store - and the Garland - which will contain offices for rent.

Bonnis Properties is also planning the adaptive reuse of the historic Foreman & Clark Building, located at the intersection of 7th and Hill Streets.