As I was driving East on Rhode Island Street last night I was pleasantly surprised to see the incredible transformation that was still taking place at the corner of Brayton. This is the same intersection that saw the Urban Roots mural go up last year. It is also the spot where Jeff Brennan donated his recycled tire planters. There's even a neighborhood park there (OK, so I like neighborhood parks) a couple doors down, and a couple of cool looking flat-iron placed buildings that jut out onto the intersection. All of these elements are wonderful, and the new (to me) storefront facade for the Urban Roots gardening cooperative is the icing on the cake.
Last evening I pulled up and stared at the transformation that had occurred from one year earlier. The place looked great. The interior reflected the exterior too. There was a well-worn wood floor that was covered with displays that held rakes, and cards, and wind chimes and a ton of bulbs. Not since Diggin' It! (on Elmwood) had I felt this sort of old-world nursery feeling. It was a very comforting place to be. Outside there was a sweet selection of autumn offering, including a number of different heirloom pumpkins - said to be one of the biggest scores for the cooperative. As I looked at the selection a couple of youngsters happened by (Finn and Taryn) who pointed out their favorite gourds.
Before I headed back out I noticed that the Urban Roots t-shirts were in - long and short styles ranging from toddler and kids to 'big kids'. I was told that community activists Dan and Harvey were on their way back to install some more lighting, while I heard the sound of electric saws in the next room. I walked over to check out the second half of the (good news) latest operation... but I think I'll let Christa deliver that story to you. Check out Cynnie's post from yesterday, which talks about all of the fun stuff happening this upcoming weekend at Urban Roots. It's a fall Festival that will include their Third Annual Plant Swap. And a ...... tasting - sorry, I can't spoil the surprise.
Urban Roots is located at 428 Rhode Island. 716.362.8982. Store hours are Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat 10-7 and Sun 11-5. Closed Tues.