Jeremy Ratliff
Editor

If all goes as planned, the 900 block of East First Street will have a new addition by January of next year and David J. Cooper Insurance Agency will have a new home.
“Our new building will be unlike any other building in town and a great new addition to the downtown area,” David Cooper explains.
Construction of the 3,200 square foot professional office building at 900 E. First Street began last month and is projected to be completed by early January of 2020, although Cooper is hoping to be moved in and have his office operational much sooner.
The new offices for Cooper Insurance (2,000 sq ft.) will not only be larger than their current location at 2011 E. Main Street (1,200 sq. ft) but will also be accompanied by a 20-stall parking lot.
According to Cooper, a number of factors contributed to the decision to build new but the primary motivation stems from a his desire to giving back to the community.
“As we have grown over the years, space has become limited and we have discussed the idea of moving closer to downtown, but ultimately the decision came down to giving back to Merrill and making our contribution to the longevity of the downtown area. Merrill has been growing steadily for a while now and I would like to see our community continue heading in the right direction. I’m looking forward to our brand new building being completed and bringing a new addition to downtown, that people can come visit and do business.”
Cooper indicated another professsional service will occupy the remaining 1,200 square feet of the new office building but details are still being worked out and cannot yet be made public.