Eight historic buildings in Birmingham city centre are being given a £2.2 million facelift as part of a wider regeneration project.
The council-owned proper-ties, which date from the late 19th century and early 20th century, will undergo external renovations as part of the 12-month project.
Original sash windows will be reinstated where removed, rotten window frames will be replaced, masonry repointed and stonework cleaned.
Floodlights will also be installed at the Gazette Building on Corporation Street to make a feature of it at night.
Coun Ken Hardeman, cabinet member for regeneration on Birmingham City Council, said: "This scheme will help to extend the life of these important heritage buildings for many years to come and regenerate this part of the city centre, making it more attractive to both businesses and visitors.
"These properties are of such a high standard of materials, quality and design that the cost of building them today would be prohibitive.
"It is vitally important that we preserve them for the future, not as museum pieces, but as working buildings with a valuable contribution to make to the city's business life."
