Residents, retailers face evictions at Artspace
Sometimes it's peace and quiet she craves, a place where she unwind, relax and enjoy a book.
Other times, Hanna seeks intelligent conversation — something that she says is served up daily by local artists, writers, musicians and others who frequent the downtown coffeehouse.
"I enjoy that there are creative and intelligent people from all parts of the community who come here because they like the atmosphere, the conversation and the intellectual stimulus that's here," Hanna said Wednesday, setting aside a book she'd picked up at the shop's informal book exchange.
"It's a calm, peaceful space," she said. "If you want time to yourself, you can find that. If you want conversation, you can find that, too."
Tonight, Hanna will be among those gathering at A Cup of Joe, 353 W. 200 South, to show support for the coffeehouse and other local businesses that are feeling the pinch of a worsening economy.
Kristy Gonzales, owner of A Cup of Joe since December 2006, is facing eviction after slow sales in March and April left her unable to meet her rent.
"My sales just tanked," Gonzales said. "I had taxes and rent come due at the same time. I chose to pay taxes and hope that my landlords would work with me, but they chose not to. I know not to do that again."
"It's time for her friends and customers to step up and say, 'We value this place,'" said Eileen McCabe, a Cup of Joe regular who is helping organize the event.
Local poets and musicians have been invited to perform during the 30-hour community gathering, and artists will be on hand to sell their work, McCabe said.
Organizers also have reached out to other local businesses, inviting owners to sell their products at the event and speak from the microphone about challenges they're facing as independent business owners.
"We need to really raise awareness in the community about the value of local businesses and what we need to do to step up and preserve these businesses," McCabe said.
In addition to the economic downturn, Gonzales' problems are made worse by a property-management company that she and other tenants have said is unsympathetic and unwilling to work with them.
The Artspace Rubber Co. building where A Cup of Joe is housed has 53 affordable-housing units above a ground-floor strip of retail. Some residents say they're concerned about the evictions of about a dozen of their neighbors since Evergreene Management Group began overseeing the property in October.
Recent comments
Cup of Joe and Artspace is important to the community. The problems...
Julie | July 20, 2008 at 9:53 a.m.
An apartment management company turning residences into a party zone...
Rumors? | July 18, 2008 at 10:20 a.m.
I've heard rumors going around that evergreen has turned artspace...
rumors | July 17, 2008 at 4:15 p.m.
