Some of you will recognize this intersection. Some of you will notice the buildings on the right have changed dramatically. Some – particularly those of you from out of state who may have landed on this webpage from an internet search – won’t know the buildings at all. Downtown Broken Arrow is undergoing some changes currently.
There are renovations that have already been completed. Among them, the buildings at the northwest corner of Main and Commercial, including the one housing McHuston Booksellers. The image is from Google Earth, and shows the intersection as it appeared some years ago, before the makeovers were completed. The awning still says Francy Law Firm.
Change can be tough. A voice or two expressed disappointment over the demolition of the two structures down the block. Like everything else, some amount of upkeep is required to maintain viability, and no doubt the two old buildings were just too far gone to save. A bookstore visitor told me the other day that “they’re just tearing everything down.”
It just isn’t true. On either side of Commercial Street are buildings – the ones in the image – that are owned by the same person, a fellow who has done more than his share to help preserve the original BA Business District. You know him – some of you – but I won’t mention his name here, although I’d publicly sing his praises any day of the week.
He’s re-doing another building across the street, one that he had restored earlier. These new changes are to accommodate an incoming business, and the gossip (you didn’t hear it from me!) says it will be an upscale wine and cigar bar – the sort of thing you’d find in Chicago or Dallas. I like the idea of it being located in Broken Arrow’s Rose District.
As a fan of history and things historical, I appreciate efforts to maintain our heritage, and consider myself fortunate to have my little business in one of Mr. S’s buildings. No one works a major enterprise alone, but part of his legacy will be the west side of the intersection and the buildings he has saved – buildings in which you’ll find Main Street Tavern, Glamour Gowns, and McHuston Booksellers.
It’s my opinion that Main Street Tavern ranks right there with some of the upscale establishments I’ve visited in Dallas, San Francisco, and New York.
The same applies to Glamour Gowns, my next door neighbor. Her window displays and the quality of her merchandise rivals that of any major metropolitan retailer.
I’m not there with the iconic bookstores of the nation, obviously. I don’t even get a mention in the “Best Of” balloting that Urban Tulsa conducts annually. That’s okay. Someday, maybe.
When I moved the bookstore to the new location, I told the leasing agent that my old shelves wouldn’t be making the trip. I wanted nicer fixtures more appropriate to the renovated interior. Sometimes there are miracles. Just short of the move-in date, my son called with news that a nearby bookstore was shutting down and the owner offered her fixtures at a great price. The former Barnes & Noble shelving fits in nicely. I’m proud of how the shop is coming along, although it is nowhere near the point I’d hoped it to be by now.
I’m certainly thrilled to be in this building and part of the new Rose District.
As for other things “Coming up Roses…” Nephew Ryan installed Kristen’s outdoor sign-plaque this morning, another item on the long list of things I’ve been working on for the shop. They both did a great job and the store, I believe, is better off for it. Click on the image for a better look if you like…
Come visit!
McHuston
Booksellers & Irish Bistro
Rose District
122 South Main St. Broken Arrow OK!
