Shopping Complex Opens

A group of young people have turned a large vacant downtown building into a unique shopping mall featuring a dozen specialty shops.

The Washington Fair at 2546 Washington is the result of a major remodeling and renovation of the three-story occupied for years by Glen Brothers Music Co.

The mall is managed by Washington Fair Inc., a new company headed by Richard L. Chaney as president and Richard M. Kinler as vice president.

Supper Theater

The first two floors are occupied and a supper theater scheduled to open on the third floor by early May.

Mr. Kinler said all 12 shops in Washington Fair are operated by their owners, most of them in their early 20s. The oldest shop owner is 35.

All shops in Washington Fair observe the same hours, Mr. Kinler said.

The complex opens from 10 a.m. To 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, except for Fridays when it is open until 9 p.m.

“We expect the Fair will be open until 9 each night when the supper theater opens,” Mr. Kinler said.

Small Cafe

Largest of the five business enterprises on the first level is The Laughing Gypsy Cafe owned by Robert Macek and managed by Rebecca Fleming with seating for 50.

Also on the first floor is Chairs & Such, a wood and leather homemade furniture shop operated by Steven Ukena.

Rovan Winters operates Rowan's, a wood and floral art shop as nother first floor business.

Randy Hart does custom leatherwork in Hart Leather, located near the entrance of the first floor.

The 5th shop on the first level is Crazy Shirts, a specialty shop operated by Mr. Chaney and Mr. Kinler.

Most of the second floor is occupied by the 2nd Level Gallery operated by Jim Nickerson.

The shop features art sales, rentals, exhibitions, custom framing and consultation.

Mr. Nickerson said he also plans to have monthly one-man exhibits featuring local artists in an effort to create a greater public awareness “of the excellent talent we have in this area.”

Other second story shops are: –The Glassworks, featuring stained glass windows and lamps, custom glass work and terrariums. This shop is owned by three partners – Michael Green, Jodi Blair and Kip Riley.

Art Rentals

– House's Exposition, an art exhibition and rental shop operated by Otis House.

– The Love Shop, an art studio, including oil paintings, operated by David Arlofski.

-2nd Level Jewelers, a small shop which features castings, settings and piecework. Owner-operators are Paul J. Badali and Douglas Tilensor.

– Stephanie's, a small shop in which Stephanie Wilde does pen and ink drawings.

Mr. Kinler said the supper theater on the third floor will be centered around the stage formerly used for recitals by Glen Brothers Music.

Designed to create an early coffee house atmosphere it will feature family type supper entertainment including old movies and plays.