In 1902 it was The Olympic Restaurant
I’ve been dragging my feet on talking about this. It’s a big step.
We talked for the past year and a half or so about needing something different. It’s a combination of needing to kick my business out of my daily living area, giving our kids space (I have most of my things in our house’s third bedroom), and making it all work with our current home. Every option was considered until the very last idea came to life. Before this we talked about moving and building a home, constructing a new garage with studio space above, moving my workspace to our basement, or even buying a lot and building a small studio.
Finally it dawned on us that I needed to try to find a commercial space to move my business into. It’s the only thing that made the most sense but there was only our local downtown area where I could ever possibly envision myself working in. It’s only a couple blocks from our house and about the halfway point between our daughters’ schools and home. The main problem was finding the right space. It isn’t that there was limited options, but there were really limited options that were for sale. Our downtown is slowly growing back with a few new business trickling in over the past few years and a few more that had abandoned storefronts, etc. We made an offer on a property that wasn’t actually for sale, toured another couple of properties that just didn’t feel right, and finally at the very end, found out from a friend about a property that was going up for a Sheriff’s Auction in a few weeks. It couldn’t have been better timing. We did a lot of investigating! And wondering! Knowing nothing about a sheriff’s sale was pretty intimidating. After talking with a few professionals and getting some legal advice, we decided to bid on the property. We were the successful bidders after a little bidding war and we ended up with a really affordable property that needs a lot of work.
Before! The building was most recently used as a hair salon!
So we’ve been doing the demo work ourselves and are in the planning stages of the building and working with an architect. It’s very exciting feeling (finally) after being super stressful at first and then having the rush of the end-of-year business I’ve hardly had time to do much dreaming until now. I’m looking forward to keeping things simple, possibly doing some type of workshops in the distant future and primarily have it be a studio space. I’m looking forward to having a bit more space and not having my business stuff all over my house (maybe this means no more total rearrangement of furniture in my living room for photo shoots?!). It’ll be a while before we get to move in, but for now it’s been fun to get to work.
Detail shots: first peek behind the plaster, ceiling, cast iron columns (pinkish piece in the center of the pic ) still there!
I’m excited about bringing back some of the original details of the building. I’m a huge fan of old buildings and houses and I find it really fascinating doing research on the property. I’m happy to be able to bring the building back to life a bit and make our downtown a little more visually appealing. Don’t get me wrong though, I still have moments of doubt and worry, but I’m trying not to let that stand in the way.
I’m planning on documenting some of the steps along the way on this blog, I always find it fun to look back. What about you? Anyone else out there carving out space for getting creative? Or maybe you like old houses, too? I’d love to hear about it!
OMG, congratulations!!
It is so so exciting!!! I cannot wait to see what you make of this space, Anna (and what you make IN it). <3
Wonderful. It looks like you’ve done alot of work already!!
OH…big, WONDERFUL, news indeed! I too am a huge fan of restoring and reusing and also being happy with the quirks that an old residence or commercial space naturally comes with! Looking forward to more updates along the way.
Wow!! That is super exciting! I love old houses. Congrats! And good luck!
Congratulations! Very exciting.
Congratulations it’s a very exciting way to start this new year ? ?
Congratulations on your new business start.
Congratulations…so excited for you! Looks like an amazing space.
Oh my gosh, how wonderful! And look at that gorgeous exposed brick! Can’t wait to see your new project develop!
Hi Anna!!! Congrats to you!!! This is so exciting!! You really inspire me. You have turned your craft into a career and to watch as it grows is such a inspiration. I hope later on down the road that you’ll do some weekend workshops (and that I can attend:). Sending love xxx
oh, how exciting, I hope you replace an old clock like the in front of the cafe.What city is this? As much as I love your patterns, I will come and help scrape plaster……or re-plaster, not sure , I just don’t want you to slow down on making patterns!! I am going to love watching this come together!!!
Enjoy your exciting adventure!
Wow. I look forward to seeing your progress on your new space. Yes it can be exciting creating your own space.
Great idea! I’m sure you’ll make it amazing.
Oh my I am so very excited for you! I love watching restorations (not at a place in life to get my feet wet myself) and hope you’ll share many details with us.
My husband and I have recently purchased a house and I suddenly have a craft room. We went from tiny house living with 3 kids, 4th was on the way, to suddenly having lots of bedrooms and a bonus room. We started out with the bonus room being the play room, but the kids never used it. So guess who suddenly has a 14′ x 19′ sunny craft room?!? After years of crafting/sewing/painting at the dining room table I’m in absolute heaven. Now if only the newborn will keep sleeping lots so I can craft. Ha!
Congratulations I’m so excited for you. Thanks for sharing with us!!!
Congratulations!!! Your own space/shop! I’m very curious about how it will look after the renovation! Wish you all the best!
Exciting! I can’t wait to see what you do. We almost bought a building last year for the same reason, but I couldn’t pull the trigger. It just wasn’t the right fit. I’m still on the hunt.
Wow, you’re really far along with the demo already! What an amazing space! I love the exposed brick – are you going to keep it? Can’t wait to see what you do with it.
Super exciting!! We fixed up a few homes along our way, and wished we had taken more before pics sometimes. So happy for you and looking forward to this coming together for you.
So excited for you!! Can’t wait to see how you transform it! 🙂
How exciting. xx
so exciting!!! looks like a wonderful space!!
Wow! I look forward to seeing your awesome project grow.
Congrats and thank you for sharing these amazing pics. I LOVE that you are stripping it down to the brick and wood ceiling as a start! What a gift you are giving to your community. You are indeed the model of good business citizenship. I wonder where the beautiful clock that once hung outside the Olympic restaurant might be? Will you be replacing the exterior overhang as well?
Awesome! I, too, adore old buildings…can’t wait to see what you do with it!
This is SO exciting-cannot wait to see the evolution of your building! Keep the pictures coming-best of l u c k! Susan
WOW!!! This is so exciting, Anna!!! I’m sure this will be absolutely amazing when it’s finished. Congrats on the big leap, and I’m excited to see developments as you post them! xo
Oh Anna! SO excited for you!!! I’m looking forward to watching your renovation/transformation but am mostly just happy for this opportunity you’ve created for yourself. Congratulations!!
Congrats! So exciting. My Hubby and I have renovated a couple of properties over the years. What I have learned is to take your time. Rushing breeds mistakes, which can be costly. Think through, your vision. Make lists. It is always best to have a (long-term) plan. Enlist experienced help with this; it doesn’t mean you can’t have what you want, it just means that others who have done this before, will have a better idea of the proper steps to take and when they need to be in place.
Good luck. Have fun with it. And, take lots of pictures along the way, of Every. Little. Thing. Because it will soon be a foggy memory, that will get blurred by the many wonderful things you will experience in the coming years.
Renovating a shop in my little downtown is one of those things I would do if I won the lottery… 🙂
Woot Woot, congrats! How exciting.
So exciting! Congratulations! The renovations look fabulous already. Bringing back original details is the best. Best of luck to you.
Whoa, super exciting! Congrats!
Congratulations! I can wait to see the results of your magic into this building!
How amazing is it that you have old pics of your new space downtown? I bet you wonder as you rejuvenate the space about all the people who have occupied that building over the years. If only walls could talk! I would love to follow your journey to make this special place YOUR special space. Thanks so much for sharing and good luck!
Thank you! Yes, we are definitely excited to find more historic photos!
Anna, how exciting! I can’t wait to see what you make of the space. You have such a clear sense of your own aesthetic that I know it will be bright and light and beautiful. If only you weren’t so far away I would pop by to check it out, since I love building sites!
Thank you Sheila!!! Gosh, I would love for you to check it out.
That is super exciting! Can’t wait to watch your progress.
That’s awesome news! Congratulations!
So exciting. Congratulations. Looking forward to seeing the transformation.
Congratulations ? how exciting. Even if I can only visit on line I sure it will be fantastic ??
This is so exciting!!!!!
Thanks Faith! We were so lucky to get the building!
That is so exciting! You’re bringing an old building back to life and having your special space. I’ll be cheering and following the process. I love your patterns and books.
Wow! This is a huge accomplishment! Congratulations! I’m looking forward to following the progress.
I agree with all the congratulations. Big hug and a high-five for you. You are so deserving of this growth . . . this expanding business opportunity. I love your patterns and tutorials. Well done. Blessings for a productive transition to this new site. This is going to be a wonderful yea for a lot of us.
Congratulations! I love the exposed brick, too—imagine what a lovely backdrop it will make for photos of your work.
I just found your blog and it sounds like a dream come true! Looking forward to watching it unfold. Good Luck in your endeavor!
Congratulations! I purchased a similar building for my interior design business in 1993. Center door with window either side and shot gun layout. It was also previously a restaurant. Owned it 15 yrs when my insurance agent offered to buy it prior to the downturn in the economy and at a good price for us! So glad to move out as I was nearing retirement and wanted to downsize. I’ll be anxiously watching your progress! Good for you to reinvent the downtown area!
Oh that’s so interesting Carol! And thank you for your support. 🙂
EXCITING!!!!! i’ve just recently moved my workspace out of my house and into a (rented) storefront so i’m super impressed with your projects and can’t wait to watch it unfold! the historical photos are so cool!
Oh wow! I’m excited for you too Cal! Wow, that’s great. I’m definitely excited to watch things unfold here, too!
Anna, this is wonderful news. Yes, please share the process. Looking at the place, the renouvation looks daunting. I wish you the happiest time and the very best of luck
It is wonderful that you have taken on a project of this size. You and your husband must be so proud. Keep sending pictures.
How exciting!! This space looks incredible…the demo looks like an improvement on the ‘before’ already! Are you keeping the exposed brick wall?
Thank you Melissa! Yes, exposed brick! We chipped off all the plaster! 🙂
How exciting! I can’t wait to see what you do with it.
Holy cow! Congrats!! This is an amazing endeavor and I love that you say you won’t let doubt and worry stop you. You should be very proud! That brick wall is beautiful, as I’m sure the studio will soon be. 🙂 Can’t wait to see it come together!
So exciting… looking forward to keeping up with progress
Congratulations and much success in the new venture !
Congratulations, Ms. Graham. You’re doing it right!
Wow Anna, a big step forward surely for your business! Thumbs up!!
Oh my! Congratulations and what an exciting adventure you’re on! I’ve popped in to check your latest designs from time to time but now I’ll have to visit much more often! Can’t wait to see what you do with this space and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
Congratulations! It is such an exciting step for you and the business you have built. The revitalization of downtowns is growing and i am excited you are able to participate in your downtowns growth. Your improvements may inspire others as well. Sounds like it is close to home and easy for your daughters to get to from school. My Mom worked between school and home and I loved being able to stop on my way home to say hello or help out! Best of luck in the new and exciting endeavor!
So exciting, Anna. I’m sure this is going to be an amazing venture/adventure for you!
This is REALLY exciting!!! I can’t wait to see your progress and congratulations!!!
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see what you do with your new space.
Where will the shop be located? So happy for you!!
It’s near La Crosse, Wisconsin. For now though I anticipate it being mostly a studio (no retail shop).
WOW!!!!! This is so exciting! Congratulations on this big move!
Congratulations! And where do I sign up for some quilting lessons? 🙂
All the best, Anna, and hope you have tonnes of fun on your next adventure.