The Mechanics and Merchants Bank, built in 1913, was on the verge of collapse when it was renovated in 2005 to preserve its historic charm.

Since then, the Hilds have bought about 10 nearby properties — parking lots, empty parcels where buildings once stood, and vacant buildings. They closed about 10 days ago on a former dry goods store at 1209 Hull St., which was bought by the Thalhimer Bros. department store chain as an expansion location more than 50 years ago.

The Hilds continue to operate the Bankuet Place as a banquet hall. “The highest and best use is a restaurant, but we need to be sure the neighborhood is ready to support something like that,” Hild said.

They are planning mixed-used buildings, with retail on the first level and apartments above, for some of the other properties.

The couple is looking beyond the tree planting to green spaces and parks, hoping to pool a couple of street-side parking spaces and create what Laura Hild calls parklets with benches, greenery and landscaping. But that’s getting too far ahead.