WILMINGTON, Vt.—A nonprofit group helping to rebuild a Vermont town that is still recovering from Tropical Storm Irene has bought a flood-damaged building that was on the National Register of Historic Places.

Vermont Public Radio reports (http://bit.ly/xOXtYD) the Wilmington Fund wants to rejuvenate the local economy by renovating buildings, such as the Parmelee and Howe building in downtown Wilmington. The goal is get the building occupied and sold.

The brick structure with arched windows was built in 1930 and first housed a drug store with a soda fountain and a hardware store. An upscale clothing boutique and coffee shop occupied the space last.

Fund President Dan Kilmurray said he hopes the action will jumpstart the renovation of at least seven others in town that are empty.

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Information from: WVPS-FM, http://www.vpr.net