Meet The Neighbors: A Downtown Shuffle This Fall

Meet The Neighbors: A Downtown Shuffle This Fall
September 3, 2019 Lise Grato

It’s an exciting time Downtown, most buildings are full and renovations are in progress all around. A number of west end Downtown businesses are growing and doing a little shuffle this Fall.

1st Hand Seconds Unique Boutique

The Fall Downtown dance was started by 1st Hand Seconds Unique Boutique. After attempts to secure grants for their current space didn’t pan out, Deborah Boulanger, founder, and the Mercy House board made the decision to look for a new opportunity. That opening presented itself in the form of Monteith Square, just one block away. Mercy House purchased the building and started renovations this summer. Their last day of business at 415 1st Ave. West will be Sat., September 21.

Look for sales and clearances this month and a Fall opening date at their new location at 411 2nd Ave SW.

Spearit Beads & Co.

After looking for a larger location for some time, Sherry Spear and Terrie Hess of Spearit Beads seized the opportunity to purchase the building at 415 1st Ave W., currently occupied by 1st Hand Seconds. The new space will give Spearit Beads three times the room allowing for more display space, new merchandise and a classroom, something they have been missing since moving from Broadalbin.

Renovations to the historic second floor of the 1866 Kohn & Co. Building will be a labor of love and a long-term project.

Spearit Beads will be closed Oct. 7-12 for moving. The grand opening will be Oct. 14 at the new location just 3 doors down. See Facebook for sales & details.

The Quilt Loft

So what’s to become of the coveted corner space at 1st and Ferry, you might ask? Karen and David Roberts said, “The Quilt Loft is busting at the seams in our current location. When we heard our neighbors were moving, we jumped at the chance to expand right next door.”

This will allow The Quilt Loft to double their retail space, add a large classroom and expand their laser cut quilt kit manufacturing. Watch Facebook for the Quilt Loft’s re-grand opening.

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To keep up to date on Downtown news, check Albany Downtown Association’s website, Facebook page and our new FB group “Albany Downtown Update” featuring news, events, specials and sales from member businesses.