Duluth could use a lot more small businesses like Alakef Coffee. Congratulations to them.

I agree with Dave. Watching the evolution of this small business has been pretty remarkable.  We did a bunch of work in the old school on London Road where they used to be located.  They started in one small room in the basement.  They then took over a couple more rooms.  Eventually they grew to encompass pretty much the entire basement.  And a few years ago they outgrew that space and built the new spot on East Superior St.  Very cool to see what they've grown into these past 17 years or so.

newt:
i'm not an office kind of guy, so specifics are a little beyond me. however, from what i can gather...
short answer: i wouldn't count on it anytime soon, if at all. we have had a lot of people look at the space over the last few years and seems nobody is able to make a go at it. 

Mainly due to (i believe) the build-out requirements. it would pretty much need the works (electrical, plumbing, etc...) which would make a startup almost impossible.

There, too, is the fact that we would in effect be competing against our own customers here in town. 

A shop anchoring that space and in effect that chunk of neighborhood (14th is a major lakewalk/hillside pedestrian corridor...i totally agree that there would be an excellent fit.

big huge thanks to everyone who made it down, whether i got to meet you or no...

thanks!

There used to be a coffee shop in the space where Designer Dogs is now, I loved it, too bad it folded.