BUCKHANNON — The revitalization of the site of the former Holly Apartments in Adrian took another step forward this week as the Tom Anderson Mission Center operated by the Randall Hughes Ministries church placed a large, 17-foot-tall cross on the property.

The Holly Apartments were decimated by a May 2021 fire that spread through the building, which was located along Route 20 South in Adrian. A two-year cleanup effort concluded this year with the demolition of the dilapidated building.

On Monday, the Tom Anderson Mission Center — which is located on the Abbott Road — placed a new wooden cross at the site.

“We have plans on different ideas we have been throwing around of what we are going to do with the property, but it will be nice and will benefit the community,” Jenny Samples said. “The cross will soon have a new look with lights and stuff around it to make it look more appealing.”

“It will be so nice looking at this big cross,” she continued. “That location has been an eyesore and an evil place for several years in this community. I hope when people drive by, they can feel the presence of God, and maybe it will start them off with good memories to come.”

Randall Hughes, the pastor of the Tom Anderson Mission Center, said Thursday that the group is planning to host a dedication service in the future.

“Our goal is to put up a community building or a pavilion of some sort in the place of the Holly Apartments for the community’s benefit — for people to have weddings and other types of event gatherings.”