Bend in the Road, LLC obtained a MCEDD loan in December 2017 to start up an antiques and collectibles cooperative. This unique collaboration of local collectors, up-cyclers and refinishers are located in a newly remodel building located at 1120 Tucker Road in Hood River Oregon. These vendors offer antiques, furniture, jewelry, home décor, colle ctibles, vintage clothing, artwork and lots of other unique vintage and homemade items.
With the help of this MCEDD loan, Keely Stawicki (owner) purchased and completely remodeled this building, which was originally a gas station and convenience store. This 1940’s building was home to many different businesses throughout the years. “Most people remember it as ‘Booth’s Corner’ and then it was a Good Karma Thrift Store,” says Keely. “Everyone thought we were going to tear the building down. The historic old building located on the corner on the Hood River heights has finally gotten a much-needed facelift after decades of being in disrepair”.
After completely gutting the building, the remodel included leveling floor and doorways so everything is on the same level, replacing flooring, lighting, electrical wiring and the installation of wall boards and ceiling boards and paving the parking lot. Recently the building facade was completed for a whole new look and landscaping will soon be completed.
“We had gotten the project as far as we could, as with any remodel it always takes more than you think its going to. We were able to tackle the most important projects in order to get the apartment rented and get the store open for business. But we ran out of funding and needed a little help in finishing the most important part of the project. We knew we couldn’t stop now,” Keely noted. Mid-Columbia Economic and Development District loaned the much-needed funding to finish the front of the building. The project included a post and beam timber porch with board and batten siding. Keely supported Dee Ranch Company, another small business that she is connected with saying “A special shout out The Dee Ranch Company for supplying all of the custom timbers, lumber and siding. The real wood gives it that classic timeless look that we wanted!”
Keely manages the day to day operations of this retail cooperative, Bend in the Road Vintage Boutique and Antiques and wants everyone to know that “we are working towards making it a destination. A fun shopping atmosphere mixed with a variety of fun hard to find items for purchase.” Keely is also one of the retail vendors and offers do-it-yourself classes on furniture refinishing and other useful topics. With a focus on refinishing furniture, Bend in the Road carries Dixie Belle Paint and Howard Products.
Bend in the Road, LLC is open from 11 am to 5 pm daily. You can learn more about Bend in the Road, LLC at its Facebook page or at www.bendintheroadhr.com.
The MCEDD Loan Program is available to entrepreneurs, start-up businesses and existing businesses doing business in the five county (Sherman, Hood River, Wasco, Klickitat and Skamania) Mid-Columbia area. This loan program is part of MCEDD’s efforts to strengthen and support the region’s economy. Contact the MCEDD Loan Fund Manager at 541-296-2266 or loanmanager@mcedd.org for more information on MCEDD’s Loan Program.