Now that the Troy City Council has allowed more time for home owners to restore eight dilapidated houses in the city, several are hard at work to put them to good use.

And between these individuals rests the fate of these eight homes, which have stood in Troy for years.

Historical Rentals, Inc., the company that owns the homes that span on North Three Notch Street and Montgomery Street, has already planned to sell the property.

But one local business owner has big plans in the works to restore these homes in a way that will benefit the city of Troy.

Bret Fridlin, co-owner of Uptown Gallery, told the city council last week he would like to seek support from the city, as well as from the community to put these buildings to use.

Though Fridlin isn’t sure exactly how he would like to see the building put to use, he has several ideas.

Things like museums, bed and breakfast or an antique store are just some of the ideas Fridlin has.

But first, Fridlin said he would have to come up with a group of interested supporters to fund the restoration.

“The next thing I plan to do starting next week is to continue to contact people in Troy who might be interested in putting some money together to try to see what we can do about rescuing these old homes,” Fridlin said.

Fridlin, who is not originally from Pike County, said he has been trying to strike interest with some locals who may want to see these homes at 500, 610 and 700 N. Three Notch St. restored for historical use.

And, he said he has had some success in getting people interested but hasn’t had anyone say they’d be interested in funding the project just yet.

Levi Nichols, attorney for Historical Rentals, Inc., said the eight properties would be listed with Landmark Realty, though some have already made offers on the homes.

Nichols said he isn’t sure what the status of the offers are yet.

In the meantime, Nichols said the property owners are working to make safety repairs required by the city of Troy.

Nichols said his clients are appreciative of the extra time the city has allowed them to keep these homes standing.

“My clients were very appreciative of what the city of Troy has done to work with us,” Nichols said.

And likewise, Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford said he is glad these homes may potentially be put to good use, as long as they meet safety regulations.

“We’re not going to allow them to continue being a danger,” Lunsford said.