By JOY SIMPSON
Special to The Citizen

Renovation of Fayetteville's historic Hollingsworth House is coming along quite well, according to project spokesman Sherri Anderson.

Anderson said she hopes the community can begin scheduling events in the house by spring.

Construction on Main street's current renovation project, The Hollingsworth House, is coming along quite well.

I am sure many of you have noticed the construction that is taking place on the house and may have been curious to find out exactly what the plan is for this grand renovation.

The Mainstreet Company began this renovation project back in the summer of 1998, when they moved the house itself from its original location to where it stands today. Since the renovation began in the fall of 1998 the house has really started to take shape and the plans for the final project are coming together beautifully.

The Hollingsworth House is designed to host special events. It will be an authentic renovation of the old house, retaining four of the original mantles as well as the original hardwood floors. There is also a beautiful staircase, at the top of which there will be original stained glass windows.

The house is equipped with a full sized kitchen, meeting room, parlor, dining room, bridal waiting room and several other areas. Upstairs will also house new Main Street offices.

The renovation is expected to be completed by this spring.

Main Street is a national program used to revitalize downtown areas. Their concern is to preserve historic areas and to bring the interest of the city back to the downtown area.

The Hollingsworth House is one of these projects and will be a source of revenue for Main Street. The house will be open to the public to rent for special events, much like the old Train Depot.

A waiting list has been established and the fees for rental should be decided upon within a month. The house is expected to be a success and Main Street encourages the community to follow their progress as the final touches are being made.