Riverwest Co-op is moving ahead on plans to convert its garage space to a cafe. The Lincoln Neighborhood Redevelopment Corporation (LNRC) and Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund have agreed to loan more than $50,000 to the co-op to fund the project. The first loan from LNRC in the amount of $35,000 has already been received and construction has begun. By spring expect to be able to buy a cup of coffee, a smoothie, soups, sandwiches, deli selections, and bulk food from the expanded store. The expansion has allowed the Co-op to hire two full time employees.
The Riverwest YMCA CDC will remain at 604 E. Center St. in 2004, but they are looking for a new co-tenant. Interested? Contact Jesse Greenlee at 374-9444. Another Riverwest location open for a new tenant is the Wegner Door building on Holton Street. It has a new facade design in the works, but current tenant Wegner Door has filed for bankruptcy.
The Riverwest Investment Co-op (RIC) held an open house at Linneman’s last month to present its goals, mission, and details about the house it owns and is renovating (above) to potential investors and owners. RIC members answered questions about risks, dividends, among others.The project is moving ahead, with regular Saturday work days as volunteers prepare the house on Holton Street for rehab work to the tune of an estimated $60,000. The group will sell the house at some point, either during or after the renovation process, to an owner-occupant. RIC’s goal is to use community capital to direct positive community development.
The AFL-CIO is promoting “Buy Union Week” November 29 through December 7. Websites that specialize in union-made clothing and other items are www.nosweatshop.com. www.aflcio.org/shop, and Justice Clothing at www.justiceclothing.com. Might we also add… shop locally! See pages 15-17 to find out how you can support local businesses over the holidays.
Erik Peterson is remodeling and updating the Krueger Bakery on Holton and Center and will soon be offering it for rent as a “studio and gallery” unit. So far he has installed new plumbing and heating systems in the old bakery and remodeled the restroom. New electric and circuit breakers have also been installed.