When I saw the for sale sign on the Wand’s Seed Store building a few weeks ago, I was taken back to Easter time as a child when the window was filled with brightly-dyed little chicks. The thought made me a bit sad and anxious for what would be moving into the spot. Thankfully, the space was too big for another check-cashing company. I shuttered at the thought that a real estate or insurance office would take up the space and turn it into yet another sheet rocked and dropped ceiling eyesore. I hoped for maybe a nice sandwich place that had big ice teas and old whirring ceiling fans, but mostly kept the interior unchanged. I cannot tell you how delighted I was with how the building was renovated for Billy Martin’s Antiques. It is really fantastic how the best features of the building, like that wonderful open ceiling, were maintained. The thoughtful use of a white rubber roof for energy efficiency and the many added touches and tasteful color scheme is fine. Admittedly, I have yet to enter the door, i am afraid I may walk out with something, and it looks like it would be expensive.
Click on the images to enlarge, but the photos do not do justice to this renovation. Well worth a walk-by at night, too!
4 responses so far ↓
1 Glenn F // Apr 11, 2008 at 10:35 am
I’m also sad to see Wand’s go. It was a real landmark. But I must say, what a GREAT use for the building!!
2 Adam // Sep 18, 2008 at 7:26 pm
heaven-forbid an insurance agency move into the building!!! GASP!!!! Who do those pesky insurance and realestate agents think they are wanting a place for their business?!???!!
Just so you know, I’m on the board of my local downtown network, and I have just as much interest as anyone else in our revitalization efforts. That’s why I’m currently negotiating to buy one of our downtown buildings. And, I’m an (sit down) insurance agent!!!!
3 Administrator // Sep 18, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Oh my! I fear I may have been misunderstood. I believe I said “office” rather than “agent”. While not intending any offense to the fine people in the Real Estate and Insurance ( or check-cashing ) profession, in our area they do prefer interior finish of the drop-ceiling-florescent-light-commercial gray carpet variety, even in historic buildings. Some of my best friends and favorite relations are Real Estate and Insurance agents. Still, I prefer a tasteful renovation and antique store in a historic downtown over an office of the above variety. But that’s just me.
4 Bill // Jan 7, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Adam, lighten up.
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