The City of Monticello is excited about the possibilities that will be coming to a property near their downtown.

Director of Community Development Callie McFarland says the property of the former Pepsin Plant has been a target area for development for over a decade. She is excited about the possibilities for a local developer who has taken up the task to create a multi-purpose property.

There will be some residential development along with commercial development. McFarland indicates there are some great possibilities for that part of the community.

According to McFarland, the developer will create retail space with an empty canvas with big, front-facing windows towards the railroad tracks. The evolution of the space from industrial to commercial has been a great transition for the downtown Monticello.

Zoning approvals begin today and the City Council will approve those. Then the purchase and sales agreement and redevelopment agreements should all be approved in August. McFarland indicates she and the developer are optimistic a groundbreaking of the project could still happen this year despite the lost time due to the coronavirus pandemic.