Big Stinking Mistake in Cooper-Young

If you want to see the embodiment of loss leader, it's the House of Mews in Cooper-Young. A very unique non-profit that has been there for at least 10 years, they're a huge part of that neighborhood's feel and its success. I know quite a few people who make a trip to the House of Mews a regular part of their trips to Cooper-Young, and dine at Cooper-Young just so they can stop by there afterwards. And when I say "stop by", I don't mean get in their car and stop by. I mean walk up and walk in.

And now the House is getting booted so some landlord (could it be the same landlord who has pioneered the growth of empty storefronts and massive unused parking lots in Overton Square?) can triple the rent: from $1000 to $3000 month. 300%. Not a nice profit. A mega-stinking-profit.

This is the 2000's version of The Center for Southern Folklore being booted from Beale Street to make room for Wet Willie's Daquiri Bar, or Burkle's Bakery in Overton Square being booted for something (I don't know what it was, but it's long gone and there is no tenant there now.) And I realize the tenant that's moving in is not Wet Willie's -- it's Burke's Bookstore.

Beware, Cooper-Young! With decisions like this coming from people like that, Wet Willie's and over-priced, underoccupied storefronts may not be far behind.

Don't blame the cats. This crap is man-made.