The days are long but the hours fly by. The front door is wide open and a springtime breeze carries with it the sound of Main Street traffic. Along with the cars is the sound of sound of voices, snippets of conversation as passersby make their way along the sidewalk in front of the store.
Although the door is open, it isn’t official yet. There are still a number of boxes to be unpacked and there are stacks of books scattered around the store waiting for a designated location in which to be stashed. There have been a number of folks wandering in through the door as well. Some are surprised to find a bookstore and say so. Others – perhaps visitors to town or newer residents – simply set themselves for browsing as though the store has been here for years.
There have been some sales, too.
Some of the buyers are customers from the old location who have been patiently awaiting the reopening. Others are first-timers that had no idea the store was located a mile and a half down the street for over five years. I have a feeling that the new location is going to be much more visible to the public.
You remember the three most important things regarding property: location, location, location.
Even the atmosphere is different. I realize this is a long stretch, but it’s true: when I prop the door open early in the morning on these wonderful spring days it reminds me of wandering Bourbon Street in New Orleans. The old structures alive with commerce and characters. I’ve been on Main Street going on six years now and had no idea that there was this kind of activity just a mile to the north.
The thing is – I think it is going to get better, too. There is a buzz currently that is likely partially due to the relative newness of the Main Street Tavern, a really classy restaurant that is two doors to the south of McHuston Booksellers. (You have to walk across Commercial Street, but still…). There is a new children’s clothing shop two doors to the north. Dooley’s Angus Inn has revamped their neon sign out front and Fiesta Mambo’s Mexican Restaurant is drawing capacity diners regularly.
Some folks are nervous about the possibility of changes downtown, but change is usually met with uncertainty and challenges. Sometimes, though, changes work out for the best. The BOK Center is an example of a project that met with opposition but has succeeded as proposed by its backers. BA’s downtown can do the same, I believe, since no plan has yet been etched in stone.
Meanwhile…
Still don’t know the date for the official re-opening of McHuston Booksellers, but – as of today, if the door is open and the lights are on – come on in!
The pictures don’t show the stacks of boxes at the back and the jumble of books still present on a number of shelves. You can click on any image for a larger view.
The days are long, and the hours are flying by as I get the out-of-sorts all sorted and filed in their proper place.
McHuston Booksellers is well on its way to getting back on the track in stylish new surroundings!
