An historical building in Marietta is one step closer to a renovation.

Architects have been hired to design a plan for a building that's nearly a century old.

Plans for renovating the Ohio National Guard Armory have been in the works for a few years.

Mayor Michael Mullen says they've been receiving grants over the past several years and have finally raised the $2 million it will take to refurbish the facility.

"I think we've got the right people in place to make this happen," Mullen said.

Davis Architects, along with two local firms, have started planning the facility's new design, and the actual building process will begin in about six months.

"Hopefully this time next year we'll be inside having events and not standing out here in the cold," Mullen said.

When complete, the Armory will be home to a visitor center, a transportation hub, an Appalachian marketplace and a center for community events; benefiting not only the building itself, but also the entire community.

"We visit all up and down front street, so having another facility here on front street is good for us. It's good for everyone; especially when the tour buses start to come in," Jane Crowther, owner of Old Town Bakery, said.

Crowther looks forward to how much the renovation will boost her business, that's directly across the street from the Armory, but to her it means more than a busy bakery.

"It's a historical monument and it should be preserved," Crowther said.

And that's just what they're planning to do.

"This is really hallowed ground in Marietta, and we hope to do it great justice, great service as we bring it back to life," Mullen said.