After four months of extensive renovations, Arcadia Books, Spring Green, Wis., has reopened to in-store shoppers. The bookstore had to close temporarily earlier this year for structural repairs on the 1870 building, which was showing its age and needed foundation work done, as well as new floors upstairs and in the basement.
Nancy Baenen, shop manager and children's book buyer, said, "Our construction crew did an amazing job of building bespoke displays while also paying tribute to the history of the building by repurposing original beams and uncovering a post that has been supporting the building for 150+ years. Prior to housing the bookstore, this building was a flower shop, a grocery store, a paint store and the village's post office; the groove worn in the floor by the postmaster has been preserved. We are grateful to our loyal customers for their support and enthusiasm and gratified knowing this building will stand for another hundred years."
In the most recent issue of the Arcadia Books e-newsletter, Baenen wrote: "I don't think the grins have left our faces since we reopened the store on Friday morning. There was a little celebration each time the door opened and an old friend stepped inside, from preschoolers to octogenarians. We can't wait to see you all and show off the upgrades and special touches we've added. For example, the wood trim on the counters came from a roughhewn beam that held up the store for a hundred years. We are now ready to be here for a hundred more!"