We have heard nothing but positive comments since city officials on Monday announced a lease agreement with West End Architectural Salvage out of Des Moines to move into the first floor of the Freeborn National Bank building.

West End Architectural Salvage, which is the basis of popular HGTV and DIY Network show “West End Salvage,” will be in the building through November. The store features inventory from all over the world, including New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, England and the Middle East.

The Freeborn National Bank building is one of the city’s gems, and we are excited that a business with national popularity will be housed in it — even if it’s only for a couple months.

That building has been empty for far too long.

The business will bring people from out of town to our community, and in turn, these people will likely check out other stores, eat at our restaurants and maybe even fill up their gas tanks at our convenience stores. Not to mention, the sales tax from any sales at West End Architectural Salvage or from other spending in town will go to support local efforts.

We hope West End Architectural Salvage finds success in Albert Lea and that it may continue in some form past November.