CARTHAGE, N.Y. -- The renovation of a landmark building in downtown Carthage is nearing completion.

The famous Buckley Building, a former bank at the intersection of State Street and Mechanic Street, has been undergoing an extreme makeover. The building was in a state of deterioration for years until a grass-roots group called "Save the Buckley" acquired it and attempted to raise money for its restoration.

Finally, a contractor took on the job with help from several agencies. Work began last summer and is now within about eight to ten weeks of completing the project at a cost of over a million dollars. The building will contain about 14 apartments and some retail space on the street level.