A historical landmark in Guysborough will be home to a variety of commercial businesses and office space now that is has been purchased by a local business non-profit.
In a statement, Tuesday, the Guysborough District Business Partnership (GDBP) said they are excited about taking ownership of the former Baptist Church on 21 Pleasant Street.
“This purchase is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of the community’s most recognizable buildings,” reads the statement.
According to Executive Director of GDBP Ashley Cunningham Avery, the non-profit was created in 2022 by Council to support small businesses, community and tourism.
In an email to our newsroom, she said the church had become vacant so recognizing its “historical significance” and “prominent location” they approached the Baptist Church Commission to explore selling the property to focus on something community focused.
GDBP plans on a “modern, mixed-use commercial building featuring attractive storefront space on the main floor.”
The non-profit says the main floor is designed to welcome new places to do business in the municipality, while the second floor will be for office use.
Rather than replacing the structure, the goal is to “modernize and restore it” while “preserving the character and presence”.
The church has been a landmark on Pleasant Street for over 100 years.
Cunningham Avery said the non-profit is in the beginning stages of developing an RFP for design and engineering.
