Biz Buzz:
From firehouse to ‘taphouse’

       Johnny Nolan, owner of two restaurant/bars in Colorado Springs, plans to open a third (called N3 Taphouse) early this year in the former firehouse at 817 W. Colorado Ave.
       Working with a partner, Dan Romano, Nolan has been overseeing extensive interior renovations for the past several months. Most recently a barbecue restaurant, the redesign will take advantage of the original brick and high ceilings and offer seating on both its floors, Nolan explained in an interview.
       The business will offer chef-prepared meals as well as a full bar and wide range of craft beers, he said.
       Nolan started Southside Johnny's south of downtown about 15 years ago and bought the Navajo Hogan on North Nevada Avenue about 6 years ago.
       Asked why he decided on his newest location, Nolan said, “I just like the Westside. It's an up-and-coming neighborhood, and I liked the history of the old building.”
      
       Collectibles galore
       A 10,000-square-foot retail offering of crafts and collectibles at 2109 Broadway St. became the Sweet William Antique Mall over a year ago.
       Mike DeFelice and Karen Baird, who created the name when they bought the business, are retired teachers who are long-time dealers at the store.
       In all, the two-level facility has more than 30 dealers, offering at least 100,000 items, Mike estimated in an interview. “It's a great venue for an antique mall,” he said, offering as examples primitives, industrial items and traditional heirlooms.
       The new name was chosen in recognition of William and Carol Weber, who started the mall about 20 years ago under the name, Colorado Country Antique Mall. “Everybody loves him,” Mike said of William. “It seemed like a way to honor him, and Carol for that matter.”
       As an additional play on words, a Sweet William flower is being incorporated into the logo for the new name, Mike said.
       The mall is open daily. The phone is 520-5680.
      
       Holistic market in OCC
       A retail store focusing on holistic wellness and education - as well as works by local artists - recently opened at 2524˝ W. Colorado Ave.
       The owners of heArt market (as it's properly spelled) are long-time friends Kim LeRoy and Laurie Moriarty, with Kim specializing in the arts and Laurie in health and wellness.
       According to a heArt market press release, Kim and Laurie chose the location because “our model felt best suited for the local art community the Westside offers.”
       The business is open most days of the week, season-dependent. Appointments are also welcome.
       For more information, call 286-0598, e-mail coheartmarket@gmail.com or go to coheartmarket.com.
      
       No store being built
       A large swathe of plastic liner was recently draped over the former bank building at 1045 S. 21st St.
       This led to speculation about what was in the works. Was the property owner, AHAG LLC, which is connected to the ownership group of the long-time 7-Eleven at 1001 S. 21st St., starting work on a new location?
       No, as it turns out. A spokesperson for the 7-Eleven store said the building is not being removed, and the reason for the project is to secure the structure against trespassers.
       AHAG had bought the 1.77-acre parcel in late 2014, after Kum & Go gave up on the location.

Do you have any news about your business? Call the Westside Pioneer at 471-6776.