I feel like I should knock on wood, or perhaps restored 60-year-old terrazzo floor, just typing that subject line. Like admitting that the restoration is nearly finished will force the process to a halt.
The flooring in the front showroom and back warehouse are complete, the walls have all been torn down/built up/painted (and the tile above cleaned and polished), many windowpanes have been replaced, all umpteen windows have been cleaned (revealing gorgeous wavy old glass and textured block), there's new electrical and the lighting and fans are up and working, the heating and cooling system has new ducts and new thermostats, landscaping is finished.... and there are perhaps hundreds of other details that were part of the project that I don't even know about. I think I'll set up a photo album on the left hand side bar to show all the pictures.... eventually. If you haven't been watching the progress here from the beginning, I recommend clicking on May on the right hand sidebar archives and seeing where this all started- a two story office space with no natural lighting and no original finishes showing. Sad.
Joe and I have measured for fixtures and OH MY LORD are store fixtures pricey. We aren't utilizing any of the fixtures that we are using right now, as admittedly my taste has become more expensive. And we have nearly three times more showroom space than I have now, so my hand is dreading writing that check. But that's the cost of doing business right. Either do it right, or don't do it.
Shown below, Joe and I marked out places for fixture placement, leaving plenty of room between so that it's handicap accessible, or more than one person can look at a time. That's one of my pet peeves about any type of retail space- when you can't even make it through an aisle or space without muttering, "oh, excuse me," eighteen times or knocking stuff over with your winter coat or bag.
This place is looking so awesome. I grew up in the neighborhood and always loved the old buildings in the area. Since I only live about 15 miles north, I know I will be a regular visitor. I can hardly wait 'til you open for business.
Posted by: Debby | June 27, 2011 at 01:25 PM
I'm so happy for you, and wish you the best success in the growth of your business!
Posted by: Nancy | June 27, 2011 at 02:22 PM
It's looking great! I'm really enjoying seeing each new update.
Posted by: sprite | June 27, 2011 at 02:23 PM
Yea for the progress AND the photo album! It looks wonderful and thanks for sharing everything and letting us feel part of the process too :)
Posted by: April | June 27, 2011 at 08:01 PM
The cost of renovation can knock the socks off you. You are making the right decision
to make the correct decisions up front; you won't regret doing so. The renovation is looking great. I can't wait to visit.
Posted by: Susan | June 27, 2011 at 11:09 PM
Floors look so good. We live a few blocks away and walk our Boston by often.So glad to see this great place looking so great!
Posted by: Melissa | June 27, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Cant believe its moving so quickly although it probably seems slow to you. Very happy for you.
Posted by: mary | June 28, 2011 at 10:21 AM