Downtown Fresno enthusiasts restoring piece of history

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It may not look like much now, but a building along Fulton Mall was once a lively business for a local newspaper called the Expositor.

"Going back through time, we found out it's the oldest business downtown. The city has put it on the local historic register, and now the only thing left is really bringing it back to its glory," said Fulton Mall Manager Craig Scharton.

The building was constructed in the late 1800s with a classic brick design and facade. But in the 1950s, it was covered up with sheetrock to create a modern look. Now, downtown enthusiasts are coming together and hosting a building demo party.

"We're going to have a group of volunteers along with some local contractors that are going to do demolition on the inside of the second floor of this building," said Scharton. "It's going to reveal this brickwork and bricked-in old windows, and that's going to be the first step in restoring the historic facade of Downtown Fresno's oldest building."

Scharton is inviting adults to come out. He says Friday night, workers will prep the building. Saturday, crews will work in two shifts from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Scharton hopes the community will come out and lend their hand to a worthy project.

"Because 20 years from now when you're walking with your kid or your grandkid down Fulton Street, you'll be able to be point to the building and say, 'I had a hand in bringing that building back to life,'" said Scharton.

Work will begin on the outside of the Expositor this winter when construction on the Fulton Mall begins.