Cole plans to adapt the two East Main Street structures, which together have about 9,000 square feet, to new uses.

Coleman Group headquarters will be moved into the rear of one of the buildings. In the front will be your SMARTOFFICEsolutions, a virtual office business Cole is starting.

The other building will be redone and leased.

The two structures are connected by a central corridor. An atrium covered by an 18-foot glass-and-steel roof will be in the middle of the corridor.

Four years ago, Cole paid $1.1 million for the buildings he described as "run down and dilapidated." On less than a half-acre of land, "It's probably the most expensive dirt that's been purchased in Lexington in some time," he said.