Face-lift for local office building

South Bend resident Dan Sukhumvanich, purchased the property about two-years ago and is now preparing the 2570 Ocean Avenue property into a new single business office unit.

"This was the location of the old H & R Tax Building. We have done a lot of work here so far to get it ready," said Sukhumvanich.

The property was starting to get overgrown and Sukhumvanich has seen to it that the 1.45-acre lot is ready to receive new business in the area.

"I am doing a Spanish style look to the building."

It will be a one-of-a-kind facility with its raised roof line and added Spanish design accents at 1,300 square feet of usable office space.

"With the increased summer traffic, everybody will be noticing this building," said Sukhumvanich.

A retired Marine electronics engineer, Sukhumvanich has spent the last year remodeling his personal home, and has now turned his focus to revamping the old building with hopes that it will draw new business to the area.

Sukhumvanich notes that he has already created a list of potential tenants, but nothing has been finalized.

"Some people were hoping that it might be a "Car Lot" (Dealership), but I have been getting interest from the marijuana industry as well," he said.

Both would be well received in the area and it is another example of the latest industry that has come to the Harbor area and is still yet to be developed.

"The lot was all wooded. I had all that cleared out as well."

The building now sits pretty on its small lot and will soon become one of those buildings that help visitors remember the Harbor.

"We see all kinds of traffic down the 101. From all over the state," noted Sukhumvanich.

The South Bend resident has brought in the help of local Master Carpenter Baltasar, to make sure that the building represents the Spanish style.

"I hope that it will be ready late in February or early March, and I am willing to work with the lease holder for any additions or modifications that may be requested."

So keep an eye out as you drive between Raymond and South Bend as the new office will soon be bringing a new business to town, or supporting an existing business that is taking root in the area.