Over 30 Riverside residents toting homemade signs, children and household pets gathered in front of the historic Arcade building this afternoon to express concern for the uncertain fate of this beloved local landmark.
The community received disheartening news in this morning's Riverside Brookfield Landmark, which reported that the sole remaining tenant in the Arcade, Grumpy's ice cream shop, has been told to vacate the building by January 1st. Reportedly, the notice to vacate came from a former employee of the Arcade building's owner (WexTrust) named Don Price. Price stated that in issuing the notice to Grumpy's he was acting under instruction from the court-appointed receiver for WexTrust's assets (a member of the law firm of Dewey & LeBoeuf). See SEC v. Steven Byers et al., Case No. 08 Civ. 7104 (U.S. Dist. Ct. S.D. N.Y.).
Last Friday, water, gas and electric service were shut off in the majority of the Arcade building excluding Grumpy's, and the pipes were mostly drained. This leaves the landmark Arcade building without a working sprinkler system. Once Grumpy's is gone, there will be no on-site fire supression system or alarm for any portion of the building and no on-site eyes to protect from vandalism. (Nor, regrettably, a comfortable and convenient local gathering spot for ice cream, coffee and conversation . . . )
Riverside's premiere commercial gem, contributing to the experience of residents and vistors alike for over 138 years, is at risk right now. The Arcade building is one of several dozens of properties (including diamond mines in South Africa) frozen in the extensive WexTrust receivership. While the receiver does have the authority to dispose of assets, the Arcade building has not, as of this date, been listed for sale.
What strikes us most about the above photo from the "Friends of the Arcade" rally is the juxtaposition of the Arcade's bleak boarded up window on the left with the lively storefront under the historic art glass that is home to Grumpy's on the right. It is like comparing two possible outcomes . . .
What will the future hold?
In this author's opinion, we all need to do what we can to bring this landmark building back into service, educating the receiver about the value of target-marketing the Arcade building to reputable developers experienced in the rehabilitation of historic properties.
Click on "How to Help" for easy ways in which you can support these efforts.
For more photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/groups/thisplacematters
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2 comments:
These types of rallies need to happen more often, when more people can attend. 30 people holding signs will not impress upon anyone how much the entire town cares about this building.
Did this happen when the train from the city come in? It looks like mid-afternoon, a time when the town is nearly empty. No commuters, no shoppers, no residents.
I think your heart is in the right place, you are not showing it at the right time.
While the daylight was most helpful for taking good, clear publicity photos, the above comment has merit.
Perhaps the organizers should consider doing something on a larger scale on the evening of Riverside's Holiday Stroll . . . Friday, December 5th.
Bring on the petitions guys!
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