The former Russell's department store in downtown Fergus is in the middle of a transformation.
By the end of September, the Fergus Area Community Enterprise group hopes vendors will be in place and the building will open as the Fergus Community Market.
Market manager Julia Tyndale-Biscoe said the project is a way of helping revitalize downtown Fergus.
"We want to help the whole downtown," she said. "It's designed to stimulate economic development downtown."
A $40,000 grant through Waterloo Wellington Community Futures helped get the renovations underway last month, and Tyndale-Biscoe thanked them for continuing to support the project.
Renovations by Michael Smith are intended to preserve the 19th century building's heritage features while creating the warmth and ambience of an indoor country market.
Inside, barn boards and wooden trim will complement new drywall, and a section of exposed stone wall at the back of the ground floor. The antique vault will remain, possibly housing a sound system, Tyndale-Biscoe said.
"Wherever possible, we want to retain the original heritage attributes of the building," she said.
Outside, the facade will be freshened, and the large James Russell & Sons marquee will remain, with community market signs or flags added. "It's the Russell building and it always will be," she said, pointing out that former owner Doug Russell is pleased with the market group's ideas for the building.
Russell's department store was a downtown anchor for generations, and closed in 2008 when Doug Russell retired.
Vendors will set up in booths put up along the inside walls and in central stalls. Weekly entertainment or seasonal displays is being planned for the central front window.
Tyndale-Biscoe said last week about 20 vendors have committed to the market - enough to fill the ground floor.
Plans include vendors on all three floors - vendors are a mix of natural products, produce, and related services, with a possible addition of craftspeople and artists, who might be grouped together.
An outdoor cafe at the rear of the building, and outdoor booths along the west side by the parking area are also being considered for the future.
On Friday between 4 and 9 p.m., come out for the Fergus Community Market Carnival at the Russell building. The event is an introduction to the market, running during the downtown Fergus classic car show.
There will be music, bouncy castles, a white elephant stall, tattooing, henna tattooing, pony rides, and more in an evening of fun  for the whole family.
The market is actively seeking vendors. People interested can go to the market's website, at www.ferguscommunitymarket.com, or email fergusmarket@yahoo.com.