Two Buildings for Sale on Main Street

Just as the city of Duluth considers creating a downtown restaurant and entertainment district, two owners have put their historic Main Street buildings up for sale.

Also, fyi Duluth design center has terminated its lease with the city effective Dec. 31. Saturday, Dec. 22, will be the last day the business will be open at 3097 Main St. in the Old City Hall Block. The city owns the historic block and has been renting space to businesses on a monthly basis.

Ken Hardeman, owner of a 3,600-square-foot building at 3111 Main St., has been at this location for 10 years. The building contains Ken Hardeman Fine Art Glass, a stained glass studio, and The Focal Point Kitchens and Baths (renovation).

“I don’t need this much space anymore,” Hardeman said. The economy has adversely affected his business, he said. “The studio used to be filled with stained glass artists working.”

He plans to keep his business in Duluth and relocate it, possibly to a smaller space on Buford Highway, after the building sells.

“I started in Duluth [nearly] 25 years ago,” Hardeman said. “This is my third location [in the city.]” His first location was at Pleasant Hill Road and Buford Highway, which he opened in 1989.

Hardeman said he has almost completely restored the historic building, which is eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Harry Norman, Realtors is handling the sale (678-357-2325).

David Cossette and Shelly Howard also have placed their Main Street building on the market. The building, offered for sale by the owners, is currently occupied by Trish Land, a shop featuring home and garden accessories, and Rain, The Salon.

They have owned the building for about four years, Cossette said. Trish Land, which opened Aug. 1 at 3131A Main St., has a year’s lease. The salon at 3131B Main St. rents monthly, he said.

Their building and Hardeman's are located in another block of Main Street where the buildings are privately owned. Both buildings were put up for sale about a week ago.

“There’s some exciting things going on in Duluth, so it’s a good time to sell,” Howard said. They want to pursue other investment opportunities, she said.

Stacie Stamper, who opened her renovate, build and redecorate cooperative and showroom four years ago, said she was closing and concentrating on the online business. Some of her partners who need showroom space are relocating elsewhere, she said.

The uncertainty of the future of her business at this location prompted her decision to close her showroom, she said. The city has been eyeing her business and the space next door rented by Accessorize Again for future restaurants.

The city can terminate their leases with 30 days notice, she said. “I couldn’t grow the business or advertise,” Stamper said.

Stamper also recently began working as donations coordinator for the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Lawrenceville.