WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- A historic building in downtown Watertown has re-opened after being condemned.

A ribbon cutting Friday marked the reopening of the Franklin Building. Several organizations came together to help remove water damage, mold and asbestos from the building.

It now holds residential apartments and commercial business space, some of which is still available to rent. The $9.9 million project began a decade ago and overcame several hurdles.

Neighbors of Watertown Executive Director Gary Beasley said, "The prices kept going up, the environmental laws changed, another funding source would be brought into it and they would have a different set of rules to follow and then you had to go back and do the others, too. It's a very complicated process. I'm just delighted that it all came together as well as it did."

Former YWCA Health and Recreation Director Sherry Wilson said, "It's nice to be able to come down to Public Square, especially in the evenings and see this whole end of the square lit up again and it really looks great."

Before falling into disrepair, the building had been home to a number of community organizations, including the YWCA.