The corner building at 117 East St. is one of several of Hutto’s pre-1900 downtown structures. The goal of owner and developer Josh Claman is to make the building last another 100-plus years.

A complete renovation, inside and out, is the goal for Claman, who said he would like to have four or five businesses ready to open by February. To do that, plans will go before the Hutto Preservation Commission and city of Hutto officials for approval.

Once plans are approved, Claman said he has contractors lined up to start work on the building. Claman, an Austin businessman who has lived and worked in Japan, Australia and Europe for nearly two decades, sees the challenge of restoring 117 East St. as something that could lead to more investments by him in Hutto, he said.

“If it works, yes, I’d be interested,” said Claman, who also has investment properties in Austin and California. “This downtown needs people. There’s a lot of potential here.”

Claman said he has talked to a few potential businesses about occupying the two-story, 6,600-square-foot property. The building, finished in 1893, is gutted on the inside.

Stairs and some framing is all that remains. It was once a supermarket and most recently a residential building.

Claman will shore up the building, install original-looking windows, and inspect the condition of pipes and electrical wiring once construction begins.

“I want it to look like it belongs in a historic downtown,” Claman said. “I fell in love with the building and Hutto.”

The city has worked with Claman in the early stages. He met with other Hutto business owners and asked what they would like to see.

The consensus is what Claman is working toward.

A restaurant and perhaps a coffee shop will be on the first floor, with small offices on the second floor. A fenced area from the back door to an alley, which used to be the main street in town, will become an outdoor seating area. It is overgrown and needs work, but Claman said it will give an outdoor feature to the businesses.

“I grew up in a small town, and I love this small-town look,” he said.

City of Hutto Downtown Manager Kim McAuliffe said Claman understands the city’s guidelines to maintain the character of its Old Town area. McAuliffe said the direction set by the historic preservation committee will help buildings last another 100 years.

“It’s great to see people like Josh in this area,” McAuliffe said. “He sees the potential and the charm, and he’s playing a part in the revitalization.”

Hutto Spokesperson Christina Kane-Gibson said the city’s investment in the Old Town and downtown area, including the renovation of the grain and gin Co-Op properties off Hwy. 79, shows Hutto’s commitment to preserving the city’s rich history.

“People are seeking what we have,” Kane-Gibson said “This is the heart of Hutto. Kim is always pitching our community, and we’re having good response. We have people who are passionate about preservation, and Hutto’s residents appreciate that. As we grow, we want to have our history continue with us.”

Claman said he is not interested in strip mall development in Hutto.

“This is what I like to do,” he said. “It’s going to be a lot of work, but it’s the perfect place to start.”