McHuston Booksellers

Rare, Collectible, & Otherwise

Tag: update

Marching to an update: March 2 Progress

March 2, 2012 /

There is a scent of caramel in the air, deliciously entwined with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. My daughter and I are sampling coffee grinds in an effort to winnow down the premier offerings when the stainless steel machine has its inaugural service at the newly reopened location of the bookstore.

Admittedly, I’m not a regular coffee drinker and certainly no aficionado. That’s why I’m depending on the advice of others to help select some delicious blends. I am surprised, though. My recollection of coffee in the morning has no memory of caramel. Maybe if these sorts of coffee grinds had been around when I was younger, I’d be a cup o’Joe guy instead of a Mountain Dew-er.

I actually took a second cup of this Amazonian Caramel. It is that good, straight from the pot.

The electrical outlets are ready to accommodate the coffeemaker in the new bookstore kitchen, receptacles lined along the wall, each glowing in the dark with a tiny green light. Flip on the switch and the brand-new stainless steel sink reflects the bright overhead lighting. Beautiful tile flooring is underfoot. It’s not a big area, but perfectly suited for its intent.

To my eyes, the space is nearing readiness.

There are glowing red exit signs over the doorways, just-installed. The air is dusted with newness and wood stain oils, fresh paint and grout. Bathrooms now feature basin sinks and wall mirrors over the vanities. For those interested, the mop basin is plumbed and ready to handle the janitorial cleanups.

Outside, glass is now thermal pane. The address is clearly marked in the sash over the front door: 122. Overhead, the frame for the canopy awning has been restored and is ready to accept the canvas. The bricks have been painted to match the facades of the adjoining buildings.

Waiting to be installed are just-acquired fixtures from Book Alley in Tulsa, whose owner is moving to Houston. She shut the store for good on Tuesday. Wednesday, shelving was hauled out in preparation for installation in the new McHuston Booksellers location. I’m tickled to be able to preserve a bit of the area’s literary history: six large wooden units once handled the inventory at Novel Idea, one of the last large independent bookstores in Tulsa that featured strictly new books. They faced stiff competition when Barnes and Noble opened just a couple of miles away across from Woodland Hills Mall. Ironically, those shelves will sit next to retired Barnes and Noble shelving also acquired from Book Alley.

There is a lot of work ahead, to get everything in readiness, and we’re all anxious to get started!

A Mid-February Building Report.

February 18, 2012 /

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

Building update: progress and regress.

January 9, 2012 /

Finding the building for our new location has taken an abrupt change. We’ve been telling folks that the new store will be in the building in downtown Broken Arrow identified by the big storefront canopy that reads – Francy Law Firm.

Well.

The canopy is gone. I’m not really sure about the reason or rationale. I liked the canopy a lot. I considered changing the name of the bookstore to Francy Law Firm, just so I wouldn’t have to change the awning (I guess that is a more correct description…). Just kidding about the name change thing. Regardless, I did like the awning.

It still says Francy Law Firm on the front door. The building is still next to Star Jewelers.

The construction on the interior continues and we still are not in, as of today. The contractor says February. There have been some snags about the food service and initially our offerings along that line may be limited. The kitchen is being constructed and once the store is opened there will be a short lag while the menu is finalized. We’ll have something to offer when you stop in, and we’ll be working on the tasty offerings that may be accommodated by the kitchen.

It looks to me like the store interior is going to be fantastic, and I hope you’ll come visit as soon as we are re-opened. Your patience is certainly appreciated!

© 2024 McHuston Booksellers

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑