Ceremony marks Powell Building renovation

Gillis Gilkerson, the Salisbury-based general contracting and development firm, joined community leaders in breaking ground Monday for construction to start on The Powell Building redevelopment at 218 West Main St. in Downtown Salisbury. 

The 45,000-square-foot, five-story, historic structure is being redeveloped to include 20 apartments and 10,000 square feet of commercial and retail space on the Main Street Plaza and Camden Street ground level. 

“Without the partnership of the city and Mayor Jake Day, this would not have been possible,” said Brad Gillis, principal, Gillis Gilkerson.

“Jake is building a critical mass of commercial, cultural and civic activity in Downtown Salisbury.  As developers, we know this facilitates community growth and new business opportunities,” Gillis said.

Main Street Kids is one of the new businesses that will occupy 8,000 square feet on the first floor. The space will be designed to replicate a mini version of a city for children and parents to interact. 

“When we saw the 20-foot ceilings we knew it would fit our concept perfectly,” said Keith White, owner.

“We were looking for high ceilings to create what looks like outdoor space with blue skies, telephone poles and streetlights but is really indoors and safe for children to navigate.  We are excited to be a part of bringing families to Salisbury’s downtown plaza and providing an opportunity for all the local businesses to benefit from,” White said.

Gillis Gilkerson Vice President Tyler Barnes said completion is scheduled for summer 2020.  For first-floor commercial space leasing opportunities at The Powell Building, contact Brad Gillis with NAI Coastal at 410-543-5115.

Gillis Gilkerson has been leading the charge to revitalize Downtown Salisbury since its inception, for more than three decades.  Its redevelopment portfolio includes the Hess Building, Riverview Commons, the Wicomico State’s Attorney’s Office, the Gallery Building, the Gateway Building, Fire Station 16, 110 West Main St. and 118 North Division St. in Salisbury.