A longtime Allentown business has finally outgrown its store (in more ways than one), and is heading to Grant Street (near Forest). Rust Belt Books has found a new home at 415 Grant (formerly an antique store), giving the bookstore a new lease on life on the city's West Side. But this time owners will not be leasing the building. Instead they opted to purchase the property, in order to be captain of the ship and their own destiny. "We asked the bookstore what she wanted to do," said owner Kristy Meal. "The store spoke to us, and we listened. We decided that it was time to buy a building and secure our future. Grant Street reminds us of Allen Street when we first opened. We're ready to be in a place like that. Take a look around [pointing from one end of the shop to the other]... this is the store. The business is what you see here. She can go anywhere she wants."
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Rust Belt Books will remain open on Allen Street throughout the remainder of its lease at the end of 2014, upon which time the business will complete the move. After that, it is probable that La Tee Da will expand into the space currently occupied by the bookstore. The move of Rust Belt Books will position the bookstore in close proximity to Buffalo State College and the Richardson-Olmsted Complex. It will also help to extend the growth surge on Grant Street towards the northern end, helping to connect the blossoming business district to Amherst Street.
Stay tuned for more good news unfolding around the corner of Grant and Forest.
While I like the move, can grant St support WestSide Stories and Rust Belt Books?