The Latest
Construction Diaries #1
We don’t want to flood Facebook with constant updates about how our new space is coming along, but we’ve had lots of people asking so we’re going to start doing blog posts every couple weeks. That way, if you want to know and see how it’s going, you can!
So much has happened already and things are changing by the hour … but here’s how it all started and where we’re at. Ready? Let’s go!
When we first started out in 2011, we never imagined how quickly we’d grow and become a part of this thriving community. We have loved being in the space we’re in and have nothing but appreciation for our wonderful landlords! But, now that we’ve continued to grow, we wanted to put down some permanent roots.
We purchased our new building in April. We’ll be honest; it looked rough. Many people told us to pull out and run, but we could see beyond the rubble and visualize its potential.
It’s a two-story building. The downstairs will be our business and the upstairs will be a 2-bedroom apartment. We are first focusing on finishing the downstairs and then the upstairs will be completed in the months after we are fully open for business. The plan for the apartment upstairs is to rent it out on Airbnb.
Since the beginning, our goal of this space is to preserve the beautiful bones of this building. We’re not looking to tear it all down and start over. We want to celebrate its history and enhance it. But there’s lots that needs to be done below the surface. (Hello, all new sewer, plumbing and electric!) And it can sometimes be a little more work to preserve rather than bulldoze, but we’re happily doing it.
We quickly got to work cleaning and taking down walls. We wanted to take everything down to the original bare bones of the building. We haven’t found tons of old treasures but we’ve found a few things hidden here and there. We tore off the layers upon layers of the roof, replaced rotting wood and put a whole new seal on it.
We created and refined the floor plans. And then refining some more … I think we’re on version 47. Some of the coolest things we’ve uncovered in the building are the old advertisements painted on the walls visible both upstairs and downstairs. The upstairs has a giant cigar ad on it that takes up most of the wall. We even reworked the floor plan upstairs to make sure as much of that wall is exposed as possible.
We’ve been going nonstop making sure things are going well at the store and doing everything we can at the new space. It has definitely been a family effort. Dennis heads up the construction (he has a background in building and carpentry, and since we own the building, he is allowed to be the building contractor). Our daughter-in-law, Rachel, and son, Ryan, helped with planning and floor designs. Our sons, Ryan and Tyler, have been helping with work and ideas along the way. Our daughter, Laura, is our Marketing Director and she has also been helping with design ideas for everything. From researching lighting and flooring options, shelving, paint colors, furniture … Needless to say, we’ve been keeping her extra busy. (Plus, she has some special news that she’ll be sharing via a blog post soon!)
We’ve been so overwhelmed by the outpouring of support in the community. And we want to thank you all for joining us for this crazy ride!
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So cool! Congratulations and many blessings!!
I can’t wait to see more pics! I am so happy you decided Pitt was the place to roast coffee!
Very excited to see you guys grow and prosper! I can’t wait to see more updates and the finished product!
YAY for updates!!! So excited for the progress and can’t wait until you’re open in your new place!
I love seeing this! So exciting to see the progress and the footprint you are making in Pitt. Absolutely Awesome!!!!
Love that we will be able to watch the transformation even with the miles between us ! Best wishes!!
My Grandparents used to own the shop below and live in the apartment above. I hated seeing the building falling apart. I am so happy to see the building getting new life