Fairview Corner Revitalized With Woman-Owned Businesses

Editor's Note: The following is a press release.

A once long neglected retail building at the corner of Spring and Baker Streets is now renewed and renamed. Fairview Corner is now the new home to several women-owned businesses.

Fairview Corner has opened its doors with over 3,000 square feet of commercial space and ample customer parking in the rear of the building. Four of the structure’s five units are now occupied by female business owners with a focus on female customers.

is excited to offer this unique space to the community. “Fairview Corner will not only bring new and fresh ideas to the block, it is bringing women together to thrive in business,” she said. Walsh adds that she is optimistic about community support. “We have had so much positive feedback since purchasing the building in 2010. I definitely see this being a destination shopping spot in town.”

Stores now open are: 

Bella’s Bargain Box, a "curated" resale store, opened February 15th. Run by West Roxbury resident Amy Gentile, the store will offer gently used children’s wear, furniture and toys... 

Fabutique, a charming and hip women’s clothing boutique, opened March 1 and features finds from seasoned clothing maven and West Roxbury resident Marika Gaurenszky...

, which opened in November 2011 as a holiday store remains open and will extend their stay through 2012. Winner of the Boston Main Streets Holiday Window Decorating contest, it is owned and run by West Roxbury resident Elizabeth Hoenscheid. The shop offers bright and clever accessories, including bags, scarves, wraps and bling.

, a long time tenant of the building, moved to the unit next door in September 2011, marked by its bright green signage. The shop will continue to provide vintage home decor, furniture and estate jewelry, as well as private consignment and restoration services. Building and shop owner Shirley Walsh has spent the past eighteen months restoring the space, exposing its original tin ceilings and beadboard walls.

Previously, the block had been much neglected over the years. With only one remaining space to lease, the corner is already bustling with commerce. Walsh’s removal of the multiple billboards above the storefronts has opened up the well-traveled gateway intersection and created a more appealing sense of place.

Seasoned West Roxbury Commercial Architectural Designer Ana Impellizeri says that efforts like Ms. Walsh’s are what continue to breath life into the business district area. “It is one of the last remaining commercial buildings in the community that still retains its original design," she said. "Gems like this building deserve our care. Reusing this structure in a manner similar to its origins is a perfect application of commercial restoration.”