Ah, a spring day. So what’s happening on OB’s main business streets, Newport and Voltaire? With camera phone in hand, the OB Rag set out Tuesday, April 2 to check it all out.
And let’s start with –
Voltaire Street.
Voltaire Street House Bowling Alley and Patio
If you live in northwest Ocean Beach, you may have been hearing some jack-hammering of late. It’s all coming from the make-over of the parking lot into a patio at the Voltaire Street House.
Plus work has finally started in earnest on the bowling alley. We sighted a bobcat inside the building.
With a new patio, however, it appears there will be a loss of parking. Hmmm, that’s too bad as parking is a premium on that block of Voltaire. Perhaps this burst of construction means the owners got their final approval.
Willow
The home decor and gift store was closed the day we ventured by – a Tuesday.
Here’s Willow’s hours of operation:
Run for Cover Bookstore
Marianne Reiner, the owner of OB’s only bookstore, sent me some of their upcoming events. Here’s the nearest one:
Building for Sale on Voltaire – Former OB Green Store
The building that has retail downstairs and a number of apartments upstairs at 4843 Voltaire is for sale
– it’s the former site of the OB Green Center / Store and of the even-former OB Rag office. For a cool $2,195,000.
Former OB Auto Body Shop for Lease Sale
Across Voltaire was the Ocean Beach Auto Body shop at 4856; now the business is up for sale.
Over on –
Newport Avenue
What’s new?
New Mural at Sapporo’s
There’s a new mural on a front side of Sapporo, the Japanese sushi place on Newport Ave.
Plus a new paint job on the front.
We Miss You Lola
The former Lola Luna is still closed.
OB Brewery Boasts
Do You Ever Stop to Read Those Historical Plaques?
Here’s your chance.
2nd and 3rd Floors at THC
Workers continue to prep the second and third floors at the new and improved THC on Newport.
Cheese Sandwiches
The windows are all covered up at the Mad Munch Grilled Cheese place that has yet to open after months of anticipation. People are always asking this reporter if I’ve heard anything. And I haven’t. But OB Mercy has, and says they will be open by the end of next week.
Free Sessions at Synergy.
There you have it – another pictorial tour of OB’s business sections. Trying to stay in touch.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I appreciate the update!
And I ditto d9 :-)
Mad Munch Grilled Cheese just announced they hope to be open by end of next week.
OB Mercy – thanks for the update.
Just updating to let people know that the location of Ocean Beach Auto Body is not up for lease, but rather the business is up for sale.
Thanks,
AJ
Thanks AJ George – I made the correction in the text.
A reader just sent the following email about OB Starbucks: They “went in for a coffee today and they have the seating area closed off inside and they no longer offer public restrooms. I asked the barista what the deal was and she said that that Starbucks location is now a walkthrough store and no seating and restrooms are available. Has anybody commented on this crazy change etc? I’m sure is has to do with transients but it was just weird.”
There must be something going on with restrooms for the public in OB. What are people doing in them or to them? I was in CVS this week, saw someone walk in the front door and overhead this person ask a clerk where the restroom was and was told the restroom was locked.
I don’t blame these businesses from doing what they need to do to stop vandalism etc. The businesses in OB should not have to provide public restrooms but if you are a customer I hope they will extend that courtesy.
Maybe the churches that provide meals to people should also make their restrooms available or put port-o-potties on their property use.
Two buildings up for sale on Voltaire? Ugh! Bye Bye character.
I hope when they rip those down they put something nice in their place. Another business park looking box like where Plant Power lives is gonna be ugly. If something comes before the Board, I will try my best to fight against boring, stucco boxes.