McHuston Booksellers & Irish Bistro

Maybe the updates should appear more frequently, the longer the building renovation continues. I don’t want anyone to lose faith!

In the picture, our space is down the street, on the left – just beyond the Main Street Tavern – where a black canopy is visible. Just above the back of that parked black vehicle. The awning used to be there with letters claiming Francy Law Firm. It is gone for the duration of the facade remodel. We’ll be between Gowns and More and Star Jewelers.

At the risk of repeating progress reports, here is the latest as of the second week of February:

The floor tiles, beautiful and durable with the appearance of natural wood, are nearly complete through the main retail area. The building features a long, long hallway and the installation extends most the way to the back. Looking at it, I’m reminded of the real wooden plank floors at Paddy’s Irish Restaurant, my enterprise in Tulsa of a decade ago.

When Mr. S commented that he preferred plank-type tiles over the other choices presented, my heart skipped a beat. I didn’t want to be the first in favor of the more expensive tiles the contractor offered. I believe they will give an Old World feel that will compliment the century-old pressed tin ceiling tiles that remain from the original building interior. The interior already reminds me of the Palace News, my grandfather’s business in Parsons, Kansas.

The kitchen is well on its way to completion, with more personal thanks due the building’s owner. The health department requirements are fairly stringent. I’m afraid I assumed those rules were common knowledge, but the renovation required changes more extensive than might have been originally contemplated. Again, Mr. S came through, and the result will be a sparkling kitchen with new ceiling, walls, plumbing, and flooring.

What is left from the original break-room kitchen, you ask? Nothing, mostly. It will be so new and shiny that I might be tempted to eat a meal right on the floor. The required dish and hand sinks are delivered and waiting installation.

Equipment for the new kitchen is being collected, and food warmers, a tea urn, a machine for brewing delicious coffee, and soup-special kettles are in hand, ready to be installed.

Walls have been primed and painted. Front glass and door installed. The building façade is still on the to-do list and will likely be among the last projects, but the most visible to those of us driving by.

The completely remodeled restrooms are being wall-tiled behind the wide and newly installed doors. The areas are compliant with disability-access regulations and big enough that I might have confused them with reading rooms.

When is the Grand Re-opening?

I still am better with predicting book sequels and publication dates than construction project endings. My eyes are telling me that it may be very soon, perhaps in the vicinity of weeks. Mr John, the contractor, told me it could February. He said that some months ago, but he is a professional, and his work is proof he is no amateur.

If it runs beyond the end of the month, I won’t be surprised, knowing full-well there is no way I could oversee completion of the project in that length of time. I learned my lesson in predicting the packing of the store inventory in the previous location. Sometimes, it just takes longer than anticipated.

Still, given his abilities and experience, I would not be surprised if Mr John brought it in to the finish line in the fifteen days or so remaining. I better get busy on my end!

Hope to see you soon!

McHuston

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