The city of Berea, near Richmond, has seen a number of revitalization efforts recently, including a farmers' market and projects to encourage startup businesses in the town.
Two local artists are now doing their part to help revive the city. Justin Dean, a broom artisan, and Tim Wade, a woodturner, are about to transform the Shifflet Cabin into a shop.
The cabin is located in the middle of the Old Town Artisan Village but has just been used as a storage facility in recent years and wasn't open to the public. The cabin didn't have a heating or cooling or a restroom.
Business owners looking to open a new store can use flyer printing to spread the word to local residents. Dean and Wade will not only have their shop in the cabin, they also have gallery space and a workshop at the 123 Gallery, as part of their participation in the city's Arts Accelerator program. They can use their existing space to promote their new venture.
Dean and Wade signed a nine-month lease with the city and will pay $200 per month to use the cabin as a store. As part of the agreement with the city, the pair stated they would protect the historic value of the cabin and leave it in better condition that it was in at the start of their lease.
The artists plan on opening their shop to the public within the next month.
