It all started with a dog walk. Prish Moran headed over to Grant Street with her canine friend and ran into Bob Franke (Grant-Ferry Association), who was outside of the former Thalaza Bakery planting flowers. The two got to talking about the building and before long they set out scheming about how Prish could get a hold of it. The former out-of-town owner had racked up plenty of fines, so it turned out to be a very opportune time to consider a purchase.
That fateful day set into motion so many micro-projects within the building complex that it is hard to figure out where exactly to start. An adjoining Masonic Temple will be converted into a theatre of sorts, and the original archway entrance on Grant will be un-bricked and transformed back into a grand entryway for the building. Two of the vacant storefronts will be brought back to life in the form of a traditional Italian Café and pizzeria. Another storefront will most likely be a flower shop, and Prish and her husband, Andrea Guiati, and their daughter Nicci, will start the search for two additional pieces to this exciting economic, grassroots puzzle.
Check out the movie to get an initial glimpse at this far-reaching project. As Bob Franke told me, “This is what we’ve been waiting for. This is the turning point for Grant Street.” The project is directly across the street from Guercio’s. It’s also down the way from a beautiful old neighborhood greenhouse, which is in the process of being restored. It’s been a long time since Grant Street has seen such an exciting development, and this influx of shops along with a community meeting-place could be just the beginning. The buildings will be restored, as will the confidence of anyone else who has high hopes for this amazing commercial street.
If you think that you or someone you know might like to explore the possibility of opening a new business on Grant Street… or might possibly want to buy a building and get in on what looks like could be a renaissance of the street, please send an email here.
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