GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Three century-old buildings are showing up in downtown Grand Rapids as workers strip off the reflective glass, charcoal panels and chrome strips that were applied to 50 Monroe in the 1980s.

The seven-story buildings, which were clad and joined together to create a single modern edifice, are being considered for a historic renovation by CWD Commercial Real Estate Investments, the company that bought the buildings 41/2 years ago.

In the past week, construction workers have torn the paneling off the corners of the building, revealing old brick and stone facades that have not seen daylight in 30 years. Beneath the facade are three buildings, dating between 1890 and 1911.

CWD managing partner Sam Cummings said it's too early to draw any conclusions about the future of the old buildings, which are mostly empty except for a group of radio stations, Elliott's News and Tobacco shop, and newsstand and offices for Hilco Industrial LLC.

"Basically, all we are doing is investigation," Cummings said in an email on Thursday, Nov. 3. "We are verifying assumptions. We really have no other plans to report or comment beyond that."

Meanwhile, Bill Bennett, owner of Elliott's News and Tobacco, said he's been told the exterior work will not disturb the shop he's operated for more than 30 years at 50 Monroe.

CWD is the largest property owner in Grand Rapids. It has restored several older office buildings in downtown Grand Rapids, including its headquarters building at 50 Louis St. NW, the Trust Building at 40 Pearl St. NW, The Ledyard Building at 125 Ottawa Ave. NW, Aldrich Place at 80 Ottawa Ave. NW and The Blodgett Building at 15 Ionia Ave. SW.

Last week, CWD cut the ribbon for The Rowe, its $28 million renovation of the former Rowe Hotel and Old Manor at the corner of Michigan Street and Monroe Avenue NW.

CWD recently announced it will purchase the Fifth Third Bank complex on Vandenberg Plaza, next door to the Calder Square Plaza Building, 250 Monroe Ave. NW, which it purchased last year and is in the process of renovating.