My Street, High Street

I finally moved into my new office today. I'm in historic downtown Holyoke on High Street.

From my window, I can see the majestic City Hall which was designed by C. B. Atwood and Hadley Falls Trust Building, designed by McKim, Mead, and White. When the weather is nice, my lunch spot will be the lovely Heritage State Park, overlooking the canals and the city's wide array of 19th-century industrial buildings. I have multiple Frederick Olmsted designed parks at my doorstep, who wants to have a picnic?

Holyoke was called 'The Queen of Industrial Cities' - in the early 1900's, she was the richest city per capita in the United States. It was a dense city of industrial entrepreneurs, diversity, culture, and innovation. During the industrial revolution, the streets here overflowed with energy... but that feeling has sadly died away over the last few decades. I won't get into the details, it's very complex.

The city of Holyoke has tremendous potential and the next 10 years are key for it's revitalization. Investing here (this is building #2) and moving my business here, are some of the steps I'm taking.

New life for the Old building

I'm getting closer and closer to the complete renovation of my first building. It's a 2,500SF 2-story brick commercial building from circa 1770/1870. The stone foundation for this building was laid in 1770 - it was originally constructed of wood. At this time it was a pharmacy, one of the first recorded drugstores in America... damn right! In the 1870's, it was rebuilt and expanded using brick.

When I bought the property last year, it was hideous: water damage, rotted out walls, and tons of other surprises. After almost 6-months of renovation, I'm happy to say it's close to completion. Original maple hardwood floors, pressed tin-style ceilings, and a charming facade that brings a smile to the face of the passerby.

I've never been a math person

But I can tell you that Inc Magazine + Kareem Black behind the lens at Gary's Loft in NYC + some young, beautiful entrepreneurs = something spectacular.

Off to New York

Tomorrow morning, I'm off to New York with my girlfriend for a few things. We plan to check out the Tenement Museum on the lower East Side, Smith St. in Brooklyn for food, and sketch comedy at Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre on Monday. On Tuesday, I have some business to tend to.

Gogol Bordello in Providence

Yesterday I went to Providence, RI to see one of my favorite bands, Gogol Bordello. I always look for a reason to drive out to Providence as I'm a fan of the city's interesting architecture and emerging art's scene - maybe I just love seeing the Turks Head Building. Gogol Bordello played at Lupo's and put on an amazing show, probably one of the best shows I've ever attended. Elizabeth had a quick chat with with Eugene Hutz, in Russian of course.

The First of Many...

Welcome to the musings of a young entrepreneur, digital media producer, and urbanist.

Many people have made the suggestion that I should start a blog. If you know me, you know that I can talk for hours about anything... this is both a good and bad thing.