Ferrante and his team executed an extensive renovation of the building, working to maintain the historic elements such as artwork and murals while also retrofitting the space for enough retail shelving to triple its inventory and a cafe offering sandwiches, snacks, coffee and cocktails.
Initially, Ferrante planned out the space’s new cafe and book areas before focusing attention on programming music and other events like poetry readings and author engagements, to fully “release the potential of the stage.”
So far, it’s hosted book clubs, jazz performers, a Grateful Dead cover band and even a lecture by Tibetan monks.
READ MORE: Shop Cleveland’s Best Independent Bookstores for Your Next Read
Since opening in November, the booklovers’ paradise has drawn Northeast Ohioans and out-of-towners to the Ohio City shop. Ferrante hopes it can also drive foot traffic to the surrounding neighborhood.
“I see people coming in here and they’re proud. They feel like they’re a part of something,” Ferrante says. “I’m investing in the city because I want to help make it better in my own small way. This is our city, and it’s a part of us.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source clevelandmagazine.com ’
