The Arnett - a "destination" on the North side of the 19th Ward

With all the "buzz" about Brooks Landing and the opening of Boulder Coffee, it's only fair to remind everyone reading this blog about another "destination" place that's still developing on the North side of the community.

"The Arnett" has been open less than a year in the building formerly occupied by Creator's Hands (332-338 Arnett Blvd). It's been somewhat slow going because the whole project has been developed entirely via private donations. Nevertheless, the building now features a retail shop selling primarily Fair Trade items (Kingdom Ventures @ The Arnett), art gallery (A.R.T.S. by Richmond Futch, Jr.), coffee shop (His Blends Coffee), and restaurant (The French Quarter Cafe). Lighthouse Copies recently closed, but self-service copying and faxing are available while a search is underway for someone to re-open as an expanded business center. Our conference/classroom will soon get a makeover to feature comfortable, casual furniture conducive for a chat over a cup of coffee.

Please feel free to drop in, browse, chat, have a cup of coffee, and/or enjoy some Louisana-style food. We're really looking to see The Arnett become a "destination" on the north side of the 19th Ward.

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Comment by Shawn on January 6, 2009 at 11:08pm: That would be a great idea Glenn. I think it would take at least 100,000 to get such a fund started, and to have enough to revolve around the community. I can come up with ideas, but I'm not the greatest in figuring out how to make them happen! I guess that's one reason I started Location19. So we can all connect, and work with those who can help make our hopes and dreams become reality.

Comment by Glenn Fadner on January 5, 2009 at 8:02pm: Shawn, you ought to speak with David Dey about your idea because I think you're on the right track. Maybe that's something that could dovetail with the entrepreneurship classes he's teaching.

Comment by Shawn on January 5, 2009 at 7:33pm: Unfortunately, almost all of the city, county, state, and even federal funding for true small businesses, the "mom and pop" size businesses, does not exist, and my not in the near future. What I would like to see is a micro business revolving loan, developed and managed by either The 19th Ward CAS or some other entity. A loan program that deals with monies in the range of $5,000 to $25,000 that is lent out to potential, and current 19th Ward business owners. A loan with a low interest rate, say 3 to 5 percent, to be paid back in 5 years, and the business owners would have to complete small business ownership classes to qualify. I don't know if this is possible for the Ward, but I do know it does work. There are/were programs in Central NY, and Burlington VT, at least when I lived in those areas of the country, they were available.

Comment by Margy Meath on January 4, 2009 at 1:56pm: I've been to the French Quarter cafe as well- great food and excellent service. Glenn , your point is a good one in terms of reminding people of what you're trying to create on Arnett. One of the things that seems to happen in our neighborhood is a bit of 'flavor of the day' - 2 or so years ago we had a lot of hype about Julius Cafe - I was hopeful about something that might replace the old (and very popular) Peaches but that hasn't happened. We heard a lot about the French Quarter this summer and this Fall the long awaited coffee shop (Boulder) is open. It looks like something is getting ready to open at the corner of Brooks/Thurston (the old Smitty's/Snuffy's/Louie's). All of these businesses are worth supporting but we need a better way to get the word out to people about their existence! This particular website is doing a GREAT job advertising what's available - thanks Shawn!