The old Twice Is Nice resale shop on State Street in Big Rapids is now history. Demolition crews began tearing the structure down on Thursday morning to make way for the new Mecosta County Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Executive Director Connie Koepke says they're happy construction is finally underway.

 

“It's been about a year and a half now since we partnered with the Chamber [of Commerce] to look into a new location and today's the day.”

 

She says the new building should be ready soon.

 

“Early spring or early summer we should have our new building up and ready to go.”

 

Keopke adds the new facility will be bigger and she's real excited for the new welcome center they will have.

 

“We're looking at just over a 3,000 square foot building, it's going to house both the Convention and Visitor Bureau offices and the Chamber of Commerce and then we are also very excited, we're going to have a real welcome center for our guests.”

 

And, the welcome center was the driving force behind the need for a new facility, she says.

 

“The building, honestly, over the time its served us well – the building is in serious disrepair, there's not enough space for the Bureau to have a welcome center.”

 

Koepke says everyone at the Convention and Visitors Bureau is glad to finally see the project moving forward after more than a year of planning and negotiations.