SPARC Shoppe growing, moving
Published 9:21 pm Wednesday, September 18, 2019
The SPARC Shoppe is growing and moving.
In a previous agreement with the Economic Development Authority, the SPARC Initiative had received a $15,000 Suffolk Business Launch Competition Grant in January to renovate its space at 126 N. Main St.
However, it had a chance to acquire more space at its OnePast7 location at 100 N. Main St., assistant economic development director Gregory Byrd told the Economic Development Authority board Wednesday.
And, rather than use its grant at the 126 N. Main St. location, Byrd said it is using the money to complete renovations at OnePast7 by Sept. 30 as it originally agreed to with the other property. The new combined space will open Oct. 1.
“It’s still within the specified area in downtown (and) they’re going to conduct the same type of effort,” Byrd said. The only difference is the location.
Because of the change, the EDA board had to vote on an amended agreement, which notes that
the SPARC Initiative is rehabilitating the rear area of the building with a HVAC system, as well as installing upgraded electrical components to provide work spaces that artisans can rent.
SPARC was one of three businesses to receive the grant as part of a competition sponsored by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and the Suffolk EDA.
The new hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.