Northside's Lower Block emerging

A noticeable hole in the Northside business district, the "Lower Block" between Knowlton's Corner and Blue Rock Street, is quickly seeing a rejuvenation as boarded up storefronts see façade improvements and new tenants.

Former Northside Business Association president and current board member Robert Sala is co-owner of Slims and also has an architecture office, both on the Lower Block.

"A lot of progress has been made recently both economically and aesthetically in the block as whole," he says.

Well-know neighborhood staples such as Shoetopia, Honey, Yoga Ah, Tango del Barrio and Cluxton Alley Coffee Roasters have recently been joined by:

• A renovated building at Hamilton Avenue and Blue Rock Street housing Shop Therapy, a new clothing and accessories store that features a "buy-sell-trade" theme.
• Take the Cake, which on February 14 will re-open two doors down with an expanded business plan.
• Prairie, a new gallery by David Rosenthal, opened Friday night and was attended by 300 people.

Although Sala says that although the Blue Rock end of the Lower Block is the current "happening" thing, a lack of opportunity to purchase key buildings along the southern end of the block is what has held the entire block back.

"But I'm not discouraged," he says.  "Red Polly, a used furniture store stressing Early Modern and other pretty cool furniture, located next to Cappazzola's, is contributing to the area south of Cosby Alley.  The new facade on 4003 awaits the right user."

As the southern gateway into the neighborhood and a bridge between the blocks north of Hoffner Park and Spring Grove Avenue's South Block, the Lower Block's development is key to unifying the entire Northside business district.

"I think the block is both a bridge and an interesting destination for shoppers, browsers and people who want to have fun," Sala says.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Robert Sala, director, Northside Business Association board

Photography by Scott Beseler

Prairie Gallery

Shop Therapy