Vickey Atkins, local attorney, has purchased the building located at 129 East Elm Street from SunTrust Bank.

The two-story brick structure has been vacant for several weeks and many people wondered what would happen to the building across from the Rockmart Post Office.

Atkins plans to move her office from 875 Cartersville Highway to the former bank building.

She will occupy the bottom floor and plans to convert the upper portion into professional office spaces, which will be leased.

Keith Graham, contractor, is doing most of the renovation work, which included removing the downstairs teller segment. The bottom floor comprises a foyer, eight rooms and a conference area. The second floor includes a large kitchen, boardroom and space for seven or eight offices.

Initially, Atkins plans to have a receptionist downstairs to greet people as they enter the building. This individual will direct visitors

to the appropriate office.

Atkins said this idea might change once she relocates into her new downtown office.

The interior has also been repainted and colors changed from blues and greens to earth tones. The carpet remains intact and slate has been placed at the front and back entrances.

Plans are to use the vault area for a display of historic photos of Rockmart as a tribute to local heritage.

Atkins, who returned to Rockmart with her husband Stanley in 1990, said she wasn't looking for a building but decided the chance to move downtown was too appealing to resist.

"It is a sound building and I am very excited about the purchase," she said. "I love old buildings."

She hopes to open her new office by August 14. A ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening will be held during early September.

Office hours will continue to be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday with lunch from 12 to 1 p.m.