NORWAY — The  Advertiser Democrat/Sun Journal buildings will soon look a bit more historic.

Construction began Wednesday to remove the two-story, multi-window, dual-door entrance to the two buildings that were built in the mid-19th century.

“We think the new entrance will conform better to the downtown look,” said Sun Media Group Vice President James Costello Jr., who spearheaded the redesign. “Further, we will be able to conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

Many of the two papers’ customers are older, he said, and up to now, they have had to climb steps to get to the counter.

“We want to make it as easy and comfortable as possible for our community to do business with us,” Costello said.

The entryway will now be wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp alongside the steps to the customer service counter.

Jim Boyce, of J. Boyce Builders in Norway, is doing the construction.

During construction, customers will be able to continue doing business via window access farther down the porch toward Pennesseewassee Stream.

“We will still be able to provide full service, including copies of papers, classified ads and the ever-popular TV Preview,” said Pat Crowder, customer service representative.

asheehan@sunmediagroup.net