Piece of Downtown Fresno history being revitalized and made a big part of its future

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A piece of Downtown Fresno's past will play a big part in its future once traffic is re-opened on the Fulton Mall next year.

The corner of Fresno and the Fulton Mall is an important piece of the downtown revitalization puzzle. Restoration work has begun on an old building where Procter's Jewelers opened back in 1945.

"We're going to try to hit the ground running right when the mall opens up. Hopefully April or May, and be ready to see who's interested in maybe taking the spot," said Brent Weiner, Owner.

On June 3rd, 2014 the building caught fire forcing the company to relocate. But from all the smoke and ash a new opportunity will rise. Weiner's excited about the new look that's planned inside and out.

Everything inside is being gutted. Once construction crews are done with the 10,200 square foot building Weiner plans to rent two retail spaces downstairs in addition to the upstairs office space.

"We're going to be doing a brand new outside facade, kind of a San Francisco brick loft look."

A new look for a downtown project which will help return the Fulton Mall back to Fulton Street.

"I think we're really trying to be the spearhead, and obviously, we have a prominent corner on the mall," said Weiner.

A $20-million project will bring back two-way traffic and turn the Fulton Mall back into Fulton Street.