ASHLAND, Ky. — Two local business owners have purchased the former C.R. Thomas building.

Billy Bare attended an auction on Jan. 14 and purchased the property under his and his wife’s company, Bare Properties. Some of their area businesses include Bare Arms Indoor Gun Range, Bombshells Burgers & BBQ (in Huntington) and more.

“We are going to do everything in our power to make something fun and positive for Ashland,” said Billy Bare.

Christy Bare said she loved the building, but didn’t know her husband would purchase the property.

“I have always been in love with this building,” said Christy Bare. “We hope we can restore it into something the residents of this area will enjoy. I’m excited for the downtown area to be coming alive again.”

Bare Properties employees 70 people in the Tri-State.

“We have some ideas we are working on,” Billy Bare said. “It will be a restaurant, but it won’t be just like any restaurant. It will be very unique to Ashland.”

The building was sold for $95,000 at the auction and had $10,000 in fees. Bare Properties plans to invest half a million dollars into the building.

READ MORE ON THIS STORY AT DAILYINDEPENDENT.COM