The project is sponsored by Google and Igloo Studios.

Fairmont is one of five cities in the country that's been chosen to use a 3D modeling software called Google SketchUp. The software is free to download.

Sandra Scaffidi-Pitman is the Assistant Director at Main Street Fairmont and says they are excited about the possibilities that this software will bring to the city.

"What we plan on doing is using this software to try and virtually create the interior of vacant buildings, and show what their potential would be to developers and others who might be interested in relocating to a downtown historic building," she said.

Main Street Fairmont plans to redesign the interior and exterior of the historic YMCA building on Fairmont Avenue, and the Masonic Temple on Jefferson Street.

"We are going to model the exterior of the building through pictures, and then we are going to go inside and also measure and model the interior of the building using 3D. Then, we have to create and come up with a few visions of what we want that building to look like and then create those visions," said Scaffidi-Pitman.

The Fairmont Community Development Partnership is working to renovate the old YMCA building. The FCDP hopes that the 3D project will interest potential businesses looking to start up a business or relocate.

"If it is left to deteriorate then it's an eye sore for us, but if we can do something positive with this then it's a major contributor," said FCDP Director Bob Gribben.

Main Street Fairmont is hosting a Google SketchUp training session in the beginning of October. They are looking for anyone who is interested in participating in the project, regardless of their design experience. Space is limited to 25.

If you would like to sign up for the "Main Streets in 3D" project, call Main Street Fairmont at 304-366-0468.

You can also email Assistant Director Sandra Scaffidi-Pitman at sandra@mainstreetfairmont.org.