What’s the saddest intersection in Montclair Village? That’s easy, it’s Mountain Boulevard and Medau Place. When the long-lived Montclair Wines closed a while ago, we assumed this coveted spot would get snapped up. Instead, the corner quickly took on a lovely, abandoned look.
Here’s the shuttered shop these days, flanked by holiday banners on the light poles. A few weeks ago, the leftover shelves and contents were cleared out and blinds were mostly drawn closed. Now it simply cries, “take care of me!”
What will the future tenant want or need here? When you get up close, maybe things aren’t all that bad. The empty building looks pretty decent, the sidewalk’s fixed up, and there’s even a little (very little) greenery.
The renter surely will get rid of this lovely graffiti-art that’s so prominent. Come to think of it, why isn’t the defacement removed already? It might help to market this location and space better.
We hope some retailer sees this location as a diamond in the rough, and makes it shine soon. Maybe our fantasy picks, like a scrapbooking shop/studio or spa goods place, would fit the bill. The place is so forlorn and lonely right now!
Today in Montclair, 94611 
How about another coffee shop? There are only 5 in Montclair now. Or a bank, or a real estate office.
Sounds great! Maybe we should require all new Montclair Village tenants to run coffee shops, bank branches, real estate offices…or candy stores. If our merchants agree to wear pins with their names and hometowns, then we become a resort village. [Still Laughing Here]
We’d like to see a butcher, baker, or fishmonger there — not because they sound picturesque but because these foods taste so good when they’re fresh. Otherwise, how about a good produce market?
I agree with Charlie-Stephen. A produce market, butcher, or fishmonger selling locally (100 mile) grown/raised foods would be great. Or a bakery.
There is a good produce store on Thornhill, across the street from 7-11. Very small and the selection changes often. I have never been disappointed. Tasty fruit, unlike supermarkets.
Who owns this vacant building? It is inconsiderate and irresponsible that the owner and property manager permit that graffito to remain, right in the center of the village too. It screams “We don’t care.”
I am totally with the fishmonger idea – maybe a branch of Tokyo Fish Market?
The Town Crier says that Yogafina, an upscale yogurt and mix-ins shop, will take up residence on the saddest corner. That should brighten things up!