Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Main Street isn’t just getting one new business following Angie Graves’ purchase of the building at the corner of Academy and Main, it’s actually acquiring several under one roof.
“I like to call it an incubator for entrepreneurs,” said Graves. “The purpose of my business is to rent space to get them going – advise them on the does and don’ts of running a business.”
Graves hopes to attract a variety of ventures for the establishment. She’s already spoken with a number of local entrepreneurs, with a few ready to move in once renovations are completed.
“I’m hoping to have a section open in time for Main Street Mania, around mid-November. I’ll have about 900 square feet available for rent by that time, with work being completed on the remainder of the building,” said Graves. “I have a couple of local folks interested in renting space so far but am continuing to look for more.”
Currently, Graves has a woman interested in selling chocolate products, while another section will be devoted to used books.
“Rachel Burbee will be selling her product, Goddess Chocolates. We’ll have Flo’s Corner – named for Florence Zettergren, who used to operate a local bookstore before she lost her battle with cancer – that will feature gently used books – mostly children’s books,” said Graves. “I’m also looking into carrying Maple Landmark wooden toys from Vermont. They have magnets to stick the pieces together.”
Graves hopes to also carry quilting and knitting supplies and vintage textiles.
“I’ll be doing Grandmother’s Hope Chest, with vintage textiles,” she said.
Once all the work is finished, Graves will have just under 3,000 square feet of usable retail space in the nearly 4,000 square foot structure, with the remainder of the building used for an office, bathroom and storage area.
The facility will have one cash register serving all the businesses, reducing the stress for first-time businesspeople.
“We’ll have one cashout, with a terrific computer program to track individual sales. Owners won’t have to be here to make a sale. Space is available for $1 per square foot, plus 10 percent of gross sales,” said Graves, noting that although this may sound a bit high for those unfamiliar with the cost of operating a business, the fee is actually reasonable. “That covers electricity, bookkeeping and all that goes with it, bathroom supplies, cleaning products – everything that goes with owning and operating a business.”
Individuals will, however, have to carry their own insurance and be responsible for any credit card fees pertaining to the sale of their products.
“People often don’t think of the small stuff – paying bills, buying bags, filing taxes,” continued Graves.
Graves hopes to have a wide variety of merchandise available on site once the building is completely renovated.
“I’m looking for a person to run a coffee bar and take-out sandwich space. That would be one of the few spots the person would have to be on site themselves – we wouldn’t handle those sales through the main cash,” said Graves. “I’m also looking for someone interested in selling baby clothes. With the Mad Hatter gone, there isn’t a store in town specifically selling children’s attire. And maybe have someone with baked goods.”
Business hours will be scheduled around neighboring businesses’ hours of operation.
“We’ll have some evenings, especially one the theater opens – Friday and Saturday nights. We’d like to have everyone on Main Street have the same hours,” said Graves.
With one section nearly ready to open – the former location of Bart and Jakes Realty – Graves said work continues on the remainder of the building.
“I’m waiting on new windows. They’re due Oct. 30. Then we have signs that are being prepared,” said Graves, explaining she’s going with a universal approach to signage. “We’ll have universal spaces with generic signs, such as: gifts, antiques, art, food and so on.”
The location has ample parking, with spots on both Academy and Main streets, as well as the public parking lot across the street. Access will be possible from two sides of the building.
“Parking won’t be an issue for me,” said Graves. “We’ll have two doors for entrance – a front door and one on the side on Academy Street.”
Graves is continuing to look for prospective entrepreneurs and would like to hear ideas and proposals for possible ventures at her facility. For more information, contact 764-1255.
“I’m taking names of interested entrepreneurs. Give me a call and share your ideas,” said Graves.
Photo courtesy of Dick Graves
RENOVATION WORK has begun on a building owned by Angie Graves at the corner of Main and Academy streets. Graves plans to use the site as an ‘incubator for entrepreneurs,’ providing a space for prospective businesspeople to get a feel for retail sales without having to invest major dollars to do so, with space rented by the square foot for individuals to display their wares.
