A Maplewood organization that offers support services to those with physical and cognitive disabilities signed a lease last week for approximately 3,300 square feet of the first floor of the building in the 2800 block of Sutton Boulevard. A large part of the building was previously the Black Cat Theatre.
Bridges Community Support Services is currently at 3114 Sutton Boulevard, and plans on moving into the new space as soon as it’s ready.
The south end of the building was originally Harper’s Pharmacy, and is set to become a new office for the Sierra Club. Bridges will move into the approximately 2,000 square foot space next to that. Bridges director, Barry Larson, said the back half will be used for office space and the front will be a community art studio. Larson’s wife now teaches classes in the space across the street from their current location.
“She’ll offer art classes in the big front space, with a big front window facing the park, which is just glorious. We’re very excited about being across from the park,” Larson said. The classes will be for kids both with and without disabilities.
The original cabinets in Harper’s Pharmacy have been removed, and Larson said he’s excited to use them in the art studio.
Bridges has also leased a small space in the north end of the building for a cafe with a covered patio outside.
“It’s all geared toward creating opportunities for people who have had barriers to employment,” he said. “We want it to be for Maplewood families, with the stroller and the kids, coming up to have a cup of coffee.”
Larson also said Bridges plans on signing a lease on the entire second floor of the building, and moving there as soon as their current lease is up or they can find a sub-leaser.
This is exciting news also! Here we grow Maplewood!