One of the Saddest Sights in Cedar Rapids

It's the time of joy and holiday cheer, but unfortunately, so far every night this week, this feeling has escaped me for a few moments, shortly after I leave work. As you may be aware, our studios are located downtown Cedar Rapids, in the "APAC" Building, or Plaza 425, whichever you prefer.  So at the end of the day, as I head home, I head out past the GTC, down 1st St. SE, and right past Smulekoffs, or should I say, what once was Smulekoffs.  For the past 3+ years, at least 5 days a week, I've driven past there nightly gazing in the windows, thinking of how that table or couch would look in my home.  It's what you do with any classic store known for all their street side windows; you gaze in and dream.  It brings back memories of trips to Chicago as a kid, gazing into the windows of the big department stores, especially during the holiday season.  But now, those "dreams" are over, replaced by momentary sadness.

We never like seeing a business close, especially one that has such a rich heritage and tradition.  But times change.  All you have to do is look across the street from Smulekoffs to see that, with a new building slowly rising to change the CR skyline.  I know soon that sadness will fade, as seeing this new vacant storefront will become the norm (or hopefully a new business will move in soon).

Thanks for the memories and dreams Smulekoffs.