Baker City’s BELLA expands operations
LA GRANDE, ORE. — The La Grande Main Street Program is happy to announce a new business will soon be locating to downtown La Grande. BELLA, a popular fixture in downtown Baker City, is planning a second store in the former Don’s Jewelry location at 1216 Adams. The new store will be called BELLA Mercantile La Grande. According to store owner Beverly Calder, the new store is set to open on April 1, 2010. The main store in Baker City will remain in operation. BELLA enjoys a strong local fan and customer base, something not lost on Calder.
BELLA has operated in Baker City for 13 years and is known as the “best little kitchen, wine, chocolate and good food store you never thought you'd find in beautifully restored downtown Baker City." Calder is excited about the opportunity to join the merchants in downtown La Grande and be a part of the continued revitalization of the historic heart of the city.
"I've been actively looking for the 'right' space in La Grande for several years as our Union County customers have encouraged us to 'get closer’,” she says. “The opportunity to occupy a historic building that has been such an important part of the community for over a century was simply an offer I couldn't refuse!"
“Losing Don’s Jewelry was a real blow to downtown,” says Charlie Mitchell, the La Grande’s Community & Economic Development Director. “To achieve this quick of a turn-around in that key location downtown with a business of the caliber of BELLA is incredible. I’ve been impressed with Beverly and her business since I first walked in the store and met over a year ago. Beverly and her store will be such an amazing asset to our downtown in so many ways.”
Calder credits the La Grande Main Street program with helping to sway her decision to open a second store. "The assistance and encouragement of Charlie Mitchell with the City of La Grande and Janet Dodson with Union County Tourism have been incredibly helpful in addition to the enthusiasm and support offered by other merchants in the downtown and Don McClure of Don's Jewelry,” says Calder.
“I consider myself a modern but traditional ‘merchant’ committed to exceptional customer service, quality products and great value,” she says. “I love the sense of style and vitality that historic downtowns possess; the human scale of buildings, the eye appeal of storefront windows and the urban village ‘walkability’ is so inviting and comforting. It's great to see so much energy and cooperation between the City, Tourism, Chamber and the downtown stakeholders. It makes this opportunity even more appealing and we are really looking forward to becoming a valuable part of the La Grande community.”
"We are thrilled that Bev has found the location that allows her to bring BELLA to La Grande," said Dodson. "Her store is a destination business that is certain to become one of our 'must see' specialty shopping experiences for visitors and residents alike."
BELLA Mercantile will feature celebrated Northwest wines and bottled microbrews along with an astounding selection of imported wines, Ports, Madiera and Champagne. BELLA Mercantile will showcase American-made bake ware, French linens, Italian and Polish pottery, fine kitchen tools and appliances. BELLA offers free gift wrapping, makes custom gift baskets for any occasion and we're proud to say we've got the best wedding registry service in eastern Oregon. The new location will also offer Northwest specialty foods, handmade confections, imported European, Thai and other hard to find foods, tools, condiments and treasures. The new location will be open 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Known as the Anson Building, BELLA’s new location at 1216 Adams Avenue was built in 1892. Originally opening as a “general store,” it enjoyed a long run beginning in 1924 as the New York Clothing Store, echoing its common name. Later it was known as the Harding Family Shoe Store. It is listed in the La Grande Historic District as “Historic Contributing” allowing it to be eligible for consideration on the National Register.
# # #
