The 1920s-era retail building across from Safeway on West 4th is being knocked down to make way for new development. Ethel’s boutique, William Parton Agencies, Babes on Fourth, Kate French, Buen Café and Pirate Joe’s are all directly affected by the situation.
Ethel’s closes its doors on Jan. 15, to move to another site at West Broadway and Macdonald where it will reopen March 1. Ethel’s is a family biz which has been on West 4th since 1970. Buen Café has closed permanently. William Parton Agencies has already hopped over to 2695 West Broadway, after spending 53 years on West 4th. The other businesses already have or will soon move to new spots. Pirate Joe’s said “Main Street appears to be refuge for independent retailers so we most likely will re-open there.” You can sign up to their email list to keep up to date on their plans.
The building was sold in recent years. It’s unclear exactly what the building owners’ plans are at this point.
Kits residents who don’t know what’s ahead point out that the small building has quaint charm missing in big brand stores up the road. It features unique black and red tiles that frame all the storefronts. Each store has a recessed entrance, which creates shelter from the rain, as well as the large show windows for retail displays and window shopping. Shop doors are wooden with large single-pane windows and proper door knobs.
Will you miss the little strip on West Fourth between Balsam and Vine? Or are you eager to see something shiny and new take its place? Weigh in below.
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