After an October 2005 fire snuffed out a thriving business area on Carnegie's West Main Street, council President Dorothy Kelly tried to look at the bright side: "Out of something like this comes opportunity," she said.

That chance is at hand, as borough officials are set to approve a $3 million retail/residential complex for the abandoned lot that once housed the Red Onion restaurant, Fidelity Bank and National City Bank.

Action is expected at council's next meeting Monday.

Paragon Land Development Co., of Franklin Park, plans a four-story structure with retail on the first floor and 10 condominiums, and nine lofts on the upper floors. The residential units will have access to a private open-air courtyard and parking at the rear of the structure. They will sell for approximately $140,000-$250,000, depending on the number of bedrooms.

Dana Wilson, owner and president of Paragon Land Development Co., said plans call for a building that combines the charm of yesteryear with a new outlook.

"We're shooting for something that blends into Carnegie's Main Street look, but we also want to have a fresh, modern-style building," he said.

Mr. Wilson believes the brick-and-stucco structure with a glass front will help revitalize the community and credits Jeff Stephan, executive director of the Carnegie Community Development Corp., with getting it off the ground.

"Jeff has been instrumental in getting the project started from the beginning," Mr. Wilson said.

A restaurateur is interested in renting the more than 4,300 square-foot first floor for a restaurant with possible outdoor seating.

The plan already has passed muster with the borough engineer, planning commission and zoning hearing board.

"This is really a shot in the arm for Main Street and the town," Mrs. Kelly said at council's workshop meeting earlier this week.

Marcella McGrogan, president of the Historical Society of Carnegie, which also was damaged in the fire, gave a hearty endorsement at the meeting. "I'm all for it," she called out from the audience.

Construction is expected to start in two to three months, with completion expected to take another six or seven months.

The Historical Society, which had to move out of its building while repairs were made, is back in its home. Fidelity Bank has built a new building on Mansfield Boulevard and National City Bank has relocated to West Main Street.