Three Businesses to Open in Adams' Mausert Block

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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Two restaurants and a dance studio are set to open in the Mausert Block later this summer.

ADAMS, Mass. — Three businesses have been approved to open in the Mausert Block by the end of the summer.

Owners REDPM were granted a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals allowing two restaurants and a performance arts school in the newly renovated building. A pizza place, hibachi grill and the arts school is expected to open after finish work is completed.

"By the end of the summer or fall, we hope to have everything up and running," said Stephen Stenson of REDPM on Wednesday.

The real estate development and management company has been working on the former Woolworth's building since purchasing it last year. The 90-year-old building had been vacant for several years.

Stenson expects that after an appeal period, the developers can begin working on the interior, which includes "substantial finishings," electrical and some structural changes. The work will take between four and eight months and will include a REDPM office, the three businesses and initial work on the upstairs apartments.

"The first step is to get our office up and running," Stenson said.

The company hopes to build 11 apartments on the upper levels and Stenson said he expect those to go on the market in summer 2014.



The building permits are all in place but the company does still need final site plan approval, Stenson said, adding he was is confident that those will be approved.

The pizza place, 21 Park Pizza, is planned to be a gourmet shop that sells pizza by the slice. At night, the place will have music and board games to become a destination for the younger crowd. The space will have 30 to 40 seats.

At 23 Park St., the restaurant Adams Fusion will serve Chinese and Japanese fusion, including hibachi. It will offer both takeout and seating for 40 to 60. The eatery will be in the spot with the "cafe style" windows that fully open to Park Street and outdoor seating that faces the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, which will provide an additional 40 to 60 seats.

The performing arts school will be in the rear of 21 Park St. and provide about 30 classes per week with most of its students from the local area. That location will also open up to the rail trail.

"We're happy that we've got some local businesses in there," Stenson said, adding that the business owners are from the county and REDPM has been working closely with the town and Adams Community Bank. "Everything was done on the local level."


Tags: Mausert Block,   new business,   Park Street,   

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Adams Boba Tea & Gift Shop Announces Closure

Staff Reports

ADAMS, Mass. — Owner of 57 Park Street, Lea King, announced she was retiring and clearing out her gift and boba tea shop.

King moved to Berkshire County eight years ago, first renovating and reopening the historic Wigwam in North Adams with her partner, Wayne Gelinas, and then the gift shop in Adams. She saw the boba tea shop as a way to bring some of her culture to the community.

King opened the shop in March 2023 and reopened it in the summertime for people to enjoy drinks and buy local gift items.

"Over the past three seasons I've loved making boba tea and smoothies, teaching people about boba pearls, and chatting with everyone who stopped by. Many customers even became friends, which made this little shop extra special," she wrote. Over the next few weeks I’ll be clearing out the shop, and everything will be priced below cost. If you enjoy a bargain or would like to stop by to say hi and bye, feel free."

King announced on Facebook on Sunday that it is time for her to "fully embrace retirement and focus on family and new adventures."

"Thank you for the conversations, laughs, and friendships," she wrote. "Adams will always hold a special place in my heart."

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