Update on Highland Place?

Anyone heard any news on Highland Place, in terms of interested tenants?

I have heard that there have been interested potential tenants, but that the asking price is too steep for many, especially considering the amount of work that will need to be done to the kitchen, etc.  Shame that such a prime location in the Village (along with its liquor license) is sitting unused.  

On a similar but different matter, what about Hawks Tavern and its license? 

Is Hawk's in Maplewood or Union?  I've always thought the latter.

Yes, technically it is in Union.  Does that mean discussion of it is taboo for MOL?

nakaille said:

Is Hawk's in Maplewood or Union?  I've always thought the latter.

Licenses are allocated by town, so it matters as to whether the license can be transferred to another establishment in town.

The Hawks location is tiny, without parking, and located on a difficult stretch of road.  I am sure that licence will go into a location in Union Center where there will be more money to be made.

Who owns all the space around Hawk's? I thought it was a large parking area?

It's a fenced-in yard.  I always thought it could be converted to outdoor dining or a parking lot, but it's oddly configured and too small for more then a handful of autos.

ridski said:

Who owns all the space around Hawk's? I thought it was a large parking area?

lanky said:

It's a fenced-in yard.  I always thought it could be converted to outdoor dining or a parking lot, but it's oddly configured and too small for more then a handful of autos.

ridski said:

Who owns all the space around Hawk's? I thought it was a large parking area?

Ah. Got it.

A neighbor and I have all kinds of plans for Hawk's, several of which will make good use of the fenced area beside it. The downside is I have zero business experience and absolutely no money to invest. But aside from that, it's gonna be great.

BrickPig said:

A neighbor and I have all kinds of plans for Hawk's, several of which will make good use of the fenced area beside it. The downside is I have zero business experience and absolutely no money to invest. But aside from that, it's gonna be great.

I told that girl I can start right away

And she said, "Listen baby I got something to say

I got no car and it's breaking my heart

But I've found a driver and that's a start"

Don't be stealing my wood-smoked BBQ joint idea...lots of room on that lot for a couple of extra large smokers... 

BrickPig said:

A neighbor and I have all kinds of plans for Hawk's, several of which will make good use of the fenced area beside it. The downside is I have zero business experience and absolutely no money to invest. But aside from that, it's gonna be great.

jimmurphy said:

Licenses are allocated by town, so it matters as to whether the license can be transferred to another establishment in town.

Yes, that's why I raised the location question.

nakaille said:

jimmurphy said:

Licenses are allocated by town, so it matters as to whether the license can be transferred to another establishment in town.

Yes, that's why I raised the location question.

*We* both knew that...   

lanky said:

Don't be stealing my wood-smoked BBQ joint idea...lots of room on that lot for a couple of extra large smokers... 

BrickPig said:

A neighbor and I have all kinds of plans for Hawk's, several of which will make good use of the fenced area beside it. The downside is I have zero business experience and absolutely no money to invest. But aside from that, it's gonna be great.

OK, seems like you've been listening in on our strategy sessions. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

I think thats where Mr/Mrs Hawk reside.

Oh, I forgot.  April 1rst.

Speaking of Hawks, anyone know what's happening at Highland Place?

Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.

ctrzaska said:

Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.

Thank goodness!

Viva la Republica!

However:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFnmT82yGpk&sns=em

And:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq7xyjU-jsU&sns=em

In all seriousness, I miss this place, and do wish someone would come to its' rescue!

I would like to know what is holding up the purchase by a new restaurant person.  Maplewood is a hot restaurant destination and you think it would have been snapped up as soon as it went on the market.

The likely reason has been stated here many times. The rent is high and the place needs a lot of work. 

author said:

I would like to know what is holding up the purchase by a new restaurant person.  Maplewood is a hot restaurant destination and you think it would have been snapped up as soon as it went on the market.

imonlysleeping said:

The likely reason has been stated here many times. The rent is high and the place needs a lot of work. 

author said:

I would like to know what is holding up the purchase by a new restaurant person.  Maplewood is a hot restaurant destination and you think it would have been snapped up as soon as it went on the market.

Intelligent guesses but not definitive

How can be there be a definitive reason? Every person who has decided not to rent the space has made that decision for their own reasons. My reason for not renting the place (I'm not interested in opening a restaurant) is different from somebody else's (they want a brighter space) or somebody other than that (they can't afford the rent). Until the right person comes along, it will remain unrented. If that isn't happening, the landlord can either keep waiting, lower the rent, or invest in the property to make it more appealing. 

author said:

imonlysleeping said:

The likely reason has been stated here many times. The rent is high and the place needs a lot of work. 

author said:

I would like to know what is holding up the purchase by a new restaurant person.  Maplewood is a hot restaurant destination and you think it would have been snapped up as soon as it went on the market.

Intelligent guesses but not definitive

Then talk to the owners and all the potential buyers.  Analyze their answers to get your definitive results.  

georgieboy said:

I think thats where Mr/Mrs Hawk reside.

Seriously, I think that the Hawk family owns and lives/lived in the house directly behind the tavern and that the side lot is part of that parcel. This may all have changed but thats the way it was for many years.

mbaldwin said:

author said:

imonlysleeping said:

The likely reason has been stated here many times. The rent is high and the place needs a lot of work. 

author said:

I would like to know what is holding up the purchase by a new restaurant person.  Maplewood is a hot restaurant destination and you think it would have been snapped up as soon as it went on the market.

Intelligent guesses but not definitive

Then talk to the owners and all the potential buyers.  Analyze their answers to get your definitive results.  

Anyone know the name of the owner?