Valerie and Richard Beaudet
Firehouse at Barre
Barre, VT
After submitting the winning proposal to the City of Barre, Valerie and Richard Beaudet used Community Capital dollars, along with a Community National Bank loan, to purchase the historic Barre firehouse. Renovations to this attractive downtown landmark are proceeding apace in anticipation of a late July opening. The Beaudets are drawing on their varied experiences in renovation, marketing, and management, combined with their enthusiasm for a remarkable building, to create a multi-faceted enterprise that will support the vitality of Barre's business environment.

The Beaudets will move their popular floral business, Flowers by Emslie and Company, into the first floor. Gift items will be expanded, augmented by over twenty Vermont Handcrafters consignments through The Granite City Craft Gallery. The lush garden environment will provide the perfect backdrop for the Firehouse Roasting Company and Cafe, a cafe and coffee house slated to occupy a portion of the first floor. In addition, other businesses have already contracted to rent space on the second floor.

Valerie and Richard's vision includes thoughtful attention to history, aesthetics, and community development. Valerie comments: "My husband and I realized the potential in this abandoned building as a vehicle for expanding our flower shop and transforming it into something truly unique. By adding the coffee house and the craft gallery, along with the hair salon and professional offices upstairs, it is on its way to becoming a local gathering place. We will showcase this amazing historic building with firehouse memorabilia and photographs from Firehouses throughout the State, and plan to grow this into a popular tourist destination".

Valerie adds that "This "dream come true" would not have been possible without the support from Community Capital. They were more than willing to work with us to find a loan program that fit our needs. They understood our need to grow our business, as well as benefit the community of Barre City. Thank you again Community Capital for having faith in our vision."

Photo by Jeb Wallace-Brodeur courtesy of the Times- Argus - Thank you Jeb!