A phoenix arises from Brewster’s

After sitting vacant for a few years, the historic Gulf Road building that was home to Brewster’s Fine Foods is getting a new lease on life.

“I am cleaning and painting and generally refreshing this old lady to be enjoyed for many years to come,” said owner Joan Roberts, who will be reopening the building as Brewster’s Business Center in 2020.

Roberts said she is familiar with how flexible the building can be, having transformed her own business in the space through several incarnations over 20 years at the location. While the building has been for sale over the last two years she had been approached by several businesses looking for an opportunity to lease space in the iconic building.

These included retail space for “local and homegrown” items, massage therapy, a real estate office, a yoga studio, a deli and a wine bar.

“All of this can be possible in the almost 4,000-square-foot area of the new business center,” Roberts said. “The concept is to offer service and retail areas for lease to local small businesses at an affordable rate to encourage small businesses to have a community presence.”

Space will be sized and leased to best suit the needs of individual businesses, with common areas shared, Roberts said. The main dining room will be available to rent as an event space and the large room upstairs will also be available for per-use rental, ideal for exercise classes or other scheduled activities.

The commercial kitchen could be part of a smaller restaurant space but might also be set up as a commissary kitchen, a legally approved commercial kitchen available for rent by catering companies, local food artisans or delivery/food truck operators.

The first tenant of the reconfigured building will be UNIQ Destinations, a travel agency Roberts has started with travel buddy Jacqui Kinsey.

“We are excited to offer a storefront travel agency in Point Roberts,” Roberts said. “Stop in and have coffee, relax in front of the fire and browse through travel brochures and our extensive travel library.” UNIQ Destinations will have regular open hours and offer free WiFi.

Roberts said spaces will be available for lease starting in January 2020. “I am open to ideas and look forward to talking about space for your local business,” she said. She can be reached at UNIQdestinations@gmail.com.