NORWICH – It’s been nearly three months since heavy snowfall – followed by a swift melt-off due to equally heavy rains – forced the closure of Made in Chenango’s 20 South Broad St. location. Yet sometimes, a seemingly disastrous event can have surprising – and inspiring – results, according to Made in Chenango Director Donna Pedini.
On Tuesday, Made in Chenango opened its doors for business once again, this time at its new location at 24-25 North Broad St., formerly the home of Corner Cigar and All American Sporting Goods.
The historical building has undergone a complete transformation thanks to years of renovation, said Pedini, and once again features the original tin ceiling and exposed brick walls. All in all, it’s the perfect location for Made in Chenango’s unique brand of local art, she added.
“It feels really good and we absolutely love it here,” said Pedini of the new location. “Sometimes providence interferes and forces you to choose a different direction, but things worked out really well and we just love the space.”
In early March, the former Made in Chenango storefront was forced to close, as rain and snow-melt began pouring through the shop’s ceiling tiles, resulting in severe damage to the floor and ceiling. At the time, Made in Chenango Operations Manager Kathy Coates said there was “no way to put it (the damage) into words” and that “there was nothing we could do to save the store.”
Coates did, however, manage to save the shop’s extensive inventory. Without her quick thinking, Pedini said the damage would have been far worse.
Pedini wished to thank local attorney and the business’s new landlord Adam Spence – and his father Stu – for their support and kindness throughout the ordeal. She also wished to thank the community at large, especially Made in Chenango’s membership, for all the extra time they’ve devoted to the relocation.
“They did a tremendous job, all of them,” she added. “It’s truly been a labor of love.”
Pedini said Made in Chenango will continue to offer the same high quality of locally produced handcrafted products and creations, including hand-made soaps, fine furniture, candles, toys, pottery, music and more. In addition, all of the business’s members and artists have remained onboard, she added, so those seeking a specific crafter or creator – one who’d called the former Made in Chenango home – can find them at the new location.
Made in Chenango will resume its normal store hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. For more information call 334-3355.