Columbia Closings   What's not in Columbia anymore

Uptown gifts was the follow-on operation in this storefront to the venerable Capitol Newsstand where I made many finds back in the pre-internet age.

I had thought they set up shop in 2011, but based on this ColaDaily story, they must have moved in very shortly after Capitol closed. I never had the occasion to visit this store, but I did like the cityscape logo.

According to the linked story, they first shut down due to the COVID-19 mess, and then decided to just move on.

This makes two vacancies on the east side of this block, as there is still no action in the Persona location.

(Hat tip to commenter Justin)

I noticed today that the Marble Slab in The Vista is closed. The last reviews are from four months ago, so it's pretty clearly another COVID-19 story.

I do think the window sign is a bit misleading. While I'm glad to hear the Woodhill location is open, I suspect the wording has made more than a few people driving by, park and then be disappointed on walking up to the door.

I first wrote about this lot when the round building ceased being Shandon Florist, so there are some older pictures at that link.

My sister told me last year how this whole corner block was going to be razed for a Starbucks, so I got some pictures of everything last October. The final demolition was around 20 June 2020, and when I took the second set of pictures, the buildings were all gone though some clearing equipment was still on the lot.

Here is a story on the project from WIS:

Millwood Avenue is one step closer to becoming the future home of a Starbucks franchise after the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception permit allowing a drive-thru in the development plan.

The proposal offers a development complete with a Starbucks in the 3000 block of Millwood Avenue, just up the street from Dreher High School. In doing so, several local businesses, including the Birdhouse, Revente’s Second Chances, Columbia’s Cleaners, Ron’s on Millwood, Groomingdale’s and Koru Group Fitness.

The businesses are all leased by the same landlord, who owns the property and is looking to sell, according to several business owners. Most said they plan to relocate if they are forced to close, but remain open while talks continue with the city about future development.

Here is The State on the same subject.

In the event, it appears to me that:

Birdhouse has relocated to 2730 Millwood (see the last picture).

Groomingdale's has relocated to 919 True Street Suite E.

Revente's has closed after an attempted move.

Koru Group Fitness has moved to 2773 Rosewood Drive.

I'm unsure about Ron's On Millwood & Columbia's Cleaners.

I'm not sure what was in the two story brick building.

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I don't think Victoria's Secret is officially bankrupt, but apparently a planned buyout fell through leaving the chain in desperate straits. Of course the COVID-19 crisis didn't help any either, and they are now in the process of closing 250 some stores.

This Sandhill location apparently closed in June as reported by commenter Bethany, but when I drove by then, the signage was still up, and the merchandise was still inside -- the "Lock the doors" order must have come down very quickly. When I got back in early July, the storefront was cleaned-out and blank.

I see from the label-scar that they were neighbors with a maternity store called Motherhood which pre-deceased VS and for which I never did a closing.

(Hat tip to commenter Bethany)

I was at Baskin Robbins the other day, and noticed that the adjacent Pizza Hut delivery/take-out storefront was empty. I'm not sure when they left, but I know for sure they were there this time last year.

I used to go to Pizza Hut all the time, but I don't think I've been in one during the last five years, and didn't even consider this place for takeout during the crisis. I'm not sure when exactly they fell off my list, but there are so many options now. (For instance, I did use Marco's up the block several times for delivery during the lockdown -- it's not bad).

This plaza used to be called Forest Park, but I'm not sure it still is. The roadside marquee used to have an "FP" logo, but lately it has been replaced by whatever grocery store is in the main slot at the time.

ColaDaily reports that this and the Beltline Lizard's Thicket will be closed temporarily due to staffing issues during the COVID-19 crisis. (Old Chicago in the Vista had signage indicating the same issue). They do plan to re-open both stores at some point.

I can only recall eating at this store twice though I have probably been there more. The most memorable experience was when I had been working across the country for a month, and *really* wanted some comfort food, so as soon as I touched down at the airport, I was already planning what vegetables to pick!

(Hat tip to commenter Heath)

Well, I could be wrong, but it appears to me that despite the banner Submarine Crab, the follow-on in the old Pho Viet, Zesto, Burger King location on Decker is gone. I have driven by there a number of times in the past week or two, and have never seen the place open, so I suspect they have succumbed to the COVID-19 curse, though I suppose the current over-crabbing of Columbia didn't help.

Stay safe, happy 4th!