The downtown just got a lot busier with six businesses coming together under the roof of the newly-penned Cornerstone Marketplace at Oak and Ferguson. (former Belmont Hotel and Tavern)
Geoff Richardson, co-owner said it was an incredible payoff to see seven years of hard work coming together and looks forward to seeing these businesses flourish in a growing downtown core.
“When we first took over we really knew this was going to be a hub. We didn’t know what it was going to look like or what kind of businesses were going to come here, but we really saw an arts and culture and wellness type of feel and that’s what we started,” he said. “We had to find people who were willing to take a risk and we had to prove ourselves time and time again. We learned a lot over the years and we’re really happy these businesses have taken a chance on us.”
Miriam Colomby, owner and personal trainer at the newly located Women’s Only Fitness inside the building said she was excited about her first ribbon-cutting and looked forward to opening alongside her other Marketplace businesses. Originally the owner of the Fitness Room, she expanded into the new space under a new name with a rebranding to reach the community better.
“We’re trying to build a community for women to promote health, particularly as we age,” she said, noting how being in a building with so many other local businesses has enhanced that sense of community.
As well as Colomby’s business, Dirty Girls Farm, Local Matters, Artisan Food Co., Kean’s K-9 Obedience & Behaviour Training, and The Curvy Closet are all opening under their new roof, with the Curvey Closet shortly on its way.
Richardson said the choice to invest in the downtown was an easy one.
“You can’t get a better location,” he said. “People that get down on the downtown because of how they perceive what it is, just don’t get it. This is the heart and soul of everyone.”
He said when they first started the extensive renovations of the building, it was in rough shape, with ground outside on Oak Street torn asunder, the walls outside vandalized. Now, with some new outside signage, the Cornerstone Marketplace has truly given a facelift to the corner and marks another proud addition to North Bay’s downtown core.
