Entrance to Pearl City Arts Building
Within the 48,000 sq. feet of the Pearl City Arts building, a variety of local entrepreneurs now fill what was once a local union hall. It’s been under the same ownership for 15 years and the vision for the building has always remained the same; attract creative, enthusiastic and committed tenants. The architecture of the building is unlike any other in the core downtown area. It was built before the arrival of electric light, so its design includes an abundance of windows which adds to its present day charm.
In recent years, the Pearl City Arts building and the Jamestown Public Market have developed a unique synergy. With the markets expansion in 2014, the move to Cherry Street provided a larger area for the market to operate including a beautiful city park for visitors to enjoy. This also meant more foot traffic to the businesses within the Pearl City Arts building.
Courtyard of Pearl City Arts Building
Jamestown Public Market Manager, Christina Breen, sat down with a few of the business owners to talk about their latest recruitment effort as a group, which is an Open House on Saturday August 5th from 9-1pm. This event is a fun and interactive way for members of the community to see what type of space the building has to offer.
“I walked up the front stairs of the building to this beautiful courtyard, with a newly constructed deck, that was lined with kohlrabi and tomato plants that the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation gave away a few weeks before” states Christina Breen.
Tim Palmgren, owner of Gifts, Décor & More says, “whether you’re looking for 100 sq. feet or 3,000 sq. feet, this building has that and everything in between.” Palmgren also mentioned it was his dream to have an apartment above his store, and this month he is celebrating his two year anniversary in business.
Karen Hansen, owner and instructor of Sun Moon Yoga & Wellness, raves about the manageable rent and the positive energy amongst the tenants. Hansen describes Pearl City Arts as, “a communal space for artists and those in the wellness and health field to thrive.” Hansen recently held a Yoga Mala Day in June and had over 21 people attend the event, and hopes more health professionals will move into the building.
Besides its historic relevance and ideal location within downtown Jamestown, the rent is manageable compared to most storefronts and spaces in the city. The group stressed the need for art and wellness to be accessible and sees the Pearl City Arts building as a place for artists and entrepreneurs to get their start. Businesses located in the building include; Gifts, Décor & More, The Gypsy Moon Cake Co., Trinity Martial Arts & Fitness, Bodies by Rosemary, Sun Moon Yoga & Wellness, Jessica L. Cobb Photography, The Cheeky Boutique, Coffee and Canvas, 38mm Photography, Light Benders and Phoenix Rising.
Stop down to the Jamestown Public Market and the Pearl City Arts Open House on Saturday August 5th, from 9-1 PM.