In our January-February 2020 newsletter, we featured an interview with Darren Stowell, the new owner of the Dutch Village building and two other adjacent properties around the corner on NE 41st Avenue. At the time, we were reporting that the historically-sensitive renovation of the apartments on the second floor of the Dutch Village building was nearing completion, Stowell was seeking businesses that would bring positive activity and increased foot-traffic to the corner, and interest was high in the available ground floor commercial space.
Then, BAM! In early March, Covid-19 reared its ugly head, potentially thwarting Stowell’s upward trajectory. But whether it was fate, an urban district with oodles of charm, the right properties, a savvy developer, or all of the above—miraculously, disaster did not strike. An early October conversation with Stowell revealed that he had successfully filled the upstairs apartments either before or soon after coronavirus was in full-swing, and he’s filled his empty storefronts with community-minded businesses.
Of significance, too, is that the virus didn’t dislodge any of the Dutch Village’s existing retail tenants, which Stowell attributes to the business owners.
“The owners of Shop Adorn, Gazelle, and Bagel Land are all professionals with strong connection to the community,” Stowell said. “They’ve been at this for a long time; they know how to pivot their businesses as needed with the challenge.”
Stowell is also pleased to report that the businesses that now occupy the available spaces meet his quest for increased foot-traffic to the corner. He described the new services and retailers as:
- Artistic Portland Gallery, a co-op of 30 volunteer member artists. Open in downtown Portland for many years, members run the shop, offering painting, jewelry, pottery, and much more.
- Merchants Collection, on 41st Avenue, just around the corner from the Dutch Building, is a family-owned business whose owners have been in Portland for a couple of years and decided to move their business to Beaumont Village. The business offers teak and rattan furniture, landscape statuary, and other items made of wood, much of it imported from Indonesia.
- Retreat Beauty Lounge, provides nail, brow, and waxing services. The owner has 35 years of aesthetician experience.
- Gold Sparrow Tattoo was opened by two men who live close by and have been in the business for a long time. Gold Sparrow shares an entry with Retreat Beauty Lounge.
Stowell says he feels fortunate to have the spaces filled, and it reminds him of why he was interested in these properties in the first place: “They are community assets that draw business owners who want to be part of this building and the community, Stowell said. “For me, it’s been an affirmation.”
Stowell encouraged people to come out to support the existing and new service and retail shops and meet the owners: “The newcomers are especially interested in meeting and getting to know the people in the community.”
One office space just off Fremont on NE 41st Avenue is still available. Best suited for independent practitioners such as attorneys, accountants, and consultants, it’s located on the first floor of a building formerly occupied by a CPA firm. The 800-square-foot space retains its Craftsman architecture and is comprised of three large rooms, a smaller room, and has a kitchen and bathroom.
For more information, phone Darren at 503-789-7908 or e-mail him at darren@ts5properties.com.