North Richmond News

Local weblog Urban Richmond has details on some new revitalization efforts in Highland Park:

Two 2nd-hand clothing stores, a copy shop, bakery and more will soon join Boaz and Ruth’s 2nd-hand furniture store and cafe in the heart of Highland Park’s commercial district- the intersection of Meadowbridge Rd. and Brookland Park Blvd.

Boaz and Ruth, a non-profit that offers job training opportunities for folks just out of prison, has done a remarkable job at finding successful business opportunities in a long-forsaken neighborhood. They’ve opened a furniture store, a cafe, a catering business, a moving business, as well as bought and renovated homes for employees to live in. And in all of these ventures, they’ve employed and trained folks who society has marginalized.

Now they’re doing even more for their Highland Park community: they’ve bought and renovated an abandoned firehouse across from their furniture store, of course using the building renovation as an opportunity to teach construction skills, and are offering the space to local merchants.

Style has the story, but inexplicably headlines it about the suburban Henrico neighborhood Lakeside, at least in the on-line edition (haven’t checked print yet.)

Don’t be fooled, this is definitely about the firehouse in Highland Park- I’ve been there and recognize the people and the pictures!