Old local World War II era clothing hall converted into a warehouse and distribution center

(WHTM) – A building that once served the men and women who helped America during World War II will now serve a new purpose.

“It’s a beautiful building. I really like this vintage 1940s World War II building and we wanted to modernize it and preserve the history there while modernizing it,” said Katy Bottcher, director of Operation Miller Investments.

Decades after its last renovation, the historic 27-acre World War-era property in Middletown that supported the U.S. Army Air Corps Supply and Service Depot is getting a modern facelift.

“I believe it will be a very vibrant building with a new, additional employee base. It will be incredibly good for the community as there will be more job opportunities and more trade due to the increased activity. I think overall it’s just an improvement, a win-win for everyone,” said Ira Miller, principal and managing member of Miller Investments.

The building will now serve as a warehouse, logistics and distribution center with new and upgraded loading dock areas, newly replaced windows and lighting while retaining its historic features.

“We feel great gratitude for what our veterans have done throughout our history to be involved in the building, which I believe was instrumental in the war effort for World War II. It’s just a great feeling for us and that’s one of them.” “The reasons we tried to preserve the historic features,” Miller said.

And for executive member Ira Miller, it’s also a reminder of those who used this building before him and the world-saving work they did here.

“I think for the most part it brings back fond memories and shows that what they’ve done over the years is meaningful and here we are, it’s a place they could visit or think about,” Miller said .

Some renovations have been completed, but more is to come.