Architect says final drawings for First Southern almost complete

FLORENCE - Local architect Bob Whitten said he hopes to have the final drawings for renovations of the first-floor of the old First Southern building completed soon.

County officials said once those drawings are complete, the commission will advertise for bids for the renovation that will result in the license commission offices moving into the new building.

Whitten told the commission Monday that he believes the entire project can be completed and the offices moved by September.

The county and the city of Florence have jointly purchased the bank building and are making plans to move into the first two floors very soon. The county will occupy the bottom floor, with the city moving offices into the second floor.

City and county officials say moving into the building will ease space problems for both governmental entities.