Damaged Building Received Tax Credits for Face Lift

Details

Created on Tuesday, 23 October 2012 16:51

Written by Jessica Walsh

ST JOHNSBURY- A lot of older buildings in St. Johnsbury could use some work, and one in particular got a face lift thanks to state and federal money. The Sewing Studio, owned and operated by Carolyn Cress, used to be located on the corner of Eastern Avenue and Railroad Street.

After nine years, it was time for a change and a new location. The move wasn't far, only down the street, but to help her, Cress received tax credits to help give the new location a face lift.

Cress said the building, which was once historic and beautiful, was full of trash before the clean up and was also damaged by a fire.

"We had to gut the whole place. It was atrocious. It was really, really sad," said Cress of the building before the cleanup. To receive this funding, the building must be old and it has to be in the downtown area. The new location of The Sewing Studio, 148 Eastern Avenue, fit both of those criteria. The building was originally built in 1926,but now after the changes, the only part of the building that remains original is the foundation and the brickwork.

The once old and abandoned building is now fixed up and full of wedding dresses, floor length gowns and more. Cress, who has worked in fashion her whole life, and has spent the last nine years as the owner of The Sewing Studio. Although there was no real fashion industry here in the North East Kingdom thirteen years ago when Cress moved here, this little shop is only the start for her. Cress hopes to open a bridal studio before the end of next year. One booming business after the other, dress by dress, Cress is making the North East Kingdom a more beautiful place.