Barbara’s Weakest Link
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Barbara’s Bookstore looks like it may be ready to bail out of the neighborhood, where it’s been a presence for more than 20 years. Within the last two weeks, a large sign with the word “available” appeared above Barbara’s 6,000-square-foot store at 3130 N. Broadway. A real estate agent reached at the number posted on the sign said that the Barbara’s store could be available in 60 days if a suitable offer were made to lease the space. The agent also indicated that the entire building, which houses a furniture store and a Chinese restaurant as well as Barbara’s, was for sale for approximately $1 million.
When pressed further, Barliant conceded he would consider a buyout of his lease. Glenn Felner, an owner of the building on Broadway, says he discussed a lease buyout with Barliant several weeks ago, at which time Barliant indicated he would be willing to consider it. “Don is a businessman,” Felner says.
Attendance at the new Museum of Contemporary Art has been unpredictable since its opening on July 2, with the number of daily visitors ranging between 800 and 3,000. But MCA spokeswoman Maureen King says, “These numbers are above what we had projected.” The most encouraging news so far is the number of new MCA memberships. When the museum closed down operations on Ontario Street last February, it had 3,400 members. The tally now stands at 10,000, according to King. That puts the museum nearly a year ahead of its projections. Meanwhile, the MCA has launched First Fridays, its own monthly cocktail event for young adults based on the Art Institute’s successful After Hours soirees. First Fridays debuted July 5, during a holiday weekend, and attracted more than 700 people, says King. An even larger turnout is expected August 2, when Brigid Murphy brings her Orchid Show persona, Milly May Smithy, to the next First Fridays offering.
