Even though there are still some tenants in the building, construction has begun on the former Lipson Building, now owned by Malibu-based Christina Development. Shoppers will note the pedestrian barricade under construction, which will cover up the front of the building while construction is underway inside the empty shops, explained one of the workers, who asked not to be identified.
The barricade, which is expected to be completed Friday, only covers the part of the building with vacant storefronts, because many tenants are still in the building until their leases expire December 31, 2020. However, it also covers the Larchmont Barbershop, which is still open, so the contractor told us they would build a tunnel for patrons to walk through to enter the Barbershop and would put the barber’s sign on the front side of the barrier, to help customers find the shop.
Once the barrier is completed, pedestrians will be directed to walk on the street side of the wall, which takes up half the sidewalk and may obstruct views of the other shops just south of the construction area, which are still open and struggling to serve shoppers with all the COVID-19 protocols. One shopkeeper told us that COVID-19 was bad enough, but now they have to deal with construction just as they enter the holiday season and are trying to move, since their leases are expiring at the end of December.
Shoppers should note that, in addition to the Barber Shop, Lipson Plumbing, Landis Gifts and Stationery, Vincent Hair Artistry, CH Boutique, Alegria Bazaar, Chevalier’s Books and Poshe Salon are all still open.
Perhaps our community should boycott any business that comes in to the spaces that were occupied by the businesses that are being displaced by Christina Development. Many of the displaced shops have been in Larchmont Village for several decades. Christina Development is stripping away the sense of community that these beloved small businesses brought to the village. Their disregard for for the plight of these stores is disturbing and lamentable.
I agree. I will not be shopping at the new stores — I’m upset at the way this whole business “deal” has gone down and do not want to participate.