http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2015/04/23/how-dreams-of-a-springfield-dry-cleaner-led-to-an.html (http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2015/04/23/how-dreams-of-a-springfield-dry-cleaner-led-to-an.html)
QuoteThe old Akra Bros. department store site in Springfield will get an Italian-themed restaurant and bar, art gallery and dry cleaning service all rolled into one this summer.
Owner John Crispens, the manager of the nightclub Mark's Downtown, said he plans to invest $300,000 to build-out the space at 1735 N. Main St., which he's looking to open in August.
"Since I moved to Springfield, I've been looking for something to do on Main Street for years now," he said. "I wanted to do something that would get the area going and when I found this I immediately jumped on it."
Crispens' new concept, dubbed Crispy's, will offer gallery showings from local artists, a full liquor bar with locally brewed craft beer, a dry cleaning service with home pick-up and delivery, as well as a PediCab service for locals.
The restaurant will have more than 150 seats and be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner — from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. Thursday through Sunday and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Built in 1933, the 5,850 square-feet building will need various upgrades and repairs, including electrical, plumping, air conditioning, tables, bar tops and refinishing of the original terrazzo marble floors.
Although Crispens said he originally was looking for a spot to open a dry cleaner store in Springfield, the concept for the restaurant and art gallery just came to him.
"Within five minutes of walking through the building, I had 80 percent of the plan laid out," he said. "As I kept going in I saw another staircase and a sprinkler system and thought 'I might as well do a full kitchen and make it into a restaurant.'"
He also plans to turn the second floor mezzanine — which overlooks the main gallery restaurant and bar — into the socializing space, removing the rollup security doors and restore the building's original storefront display glass.
The building has "a very grand feeling," with 17-foot ceilings and two 5 by 15 feet skylights in the building.
"It has the potential to be a unique neighborhood gather spot," Crispens said.
This is a REALLY cool idea. Fulfilling multiple needs in the neighborhood and restoring a historic building. Bravo!
And since you posted that, I will offer up a way people can help.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/crispy-s-gallery-restaurant-bar
I had hoped that more folks from the neighborhood had thrown a little more support to John. We still have some time. If anyone has followed the project, it has come a long way and I think it could be a catalyst for other diamonds in the rough.
Pretty cool looking Main Street storefront.....
(http://media.bizj.us/view/img/5688861/screen-shot-2015-04-23-at-23138-pm*600.png)
Looks like they are clearing land on the east side of Main Street just past the Palm Garden Efficiencies, just before the yellow tire store. Anyone have any idea what that is about?
I think that's an apartment building for low-income seniors.