by Bea Peterson
Terry McGuire, owner of Artistic Hair Designs has always wanted to open a spa in Hoosick Falls. “It’s been a dream for a long time,” she said. “And when opportunity knocks, you take advantage of it, because it doesn’t knock twice in the same spot.” Business partner Kimberly Revet began operating Nirvana Day Spa from Terry’s building a year ago. The atmosphere at the neat brick Elm St. location is warm, friendly… and crowded. The two women had been talking for some time about finding a new location. “I’m tired of looking out my window and seeing crumbling buildings with broken windows and graffiti,” said Terry. So, when the two learned the price of the Elks Club on Church St. had been drastically reduced, they jumped at the chance to purchase it. The purchase price was $38,500.
“The building is in relatively good shape and quite salvageable,” said Terry, “and we want to help keep the Village alive.” They estimate the new location will have triple the traffic passing by and will,
definitely, be far more visible.
Can’t Do It Alone
The two plan to create a comprehensive Day Spa Wellness Center. They will offer full salon hair styling services, multiple manicure and pedicure stations, spray tanning and tanning beds.
An Electrolysist and a Massage Therapist have already signed up for space in the renovated building. They are hoping someone will be interested in renting the former bar area and commercial kitchen for a café bistro. The long porch on the front of the building will be ideal for outdoor eating. A gift shop and waiting room will also be located on the first floor, along with a handicap accessible spa treatment room.
The second floor will include a full service day spa with four treatment rooms, including a couples room with a jacuzzi for two. The partners are hoping to locate an Acupuncturist, Acupressurist, Counselor, Therapist and a Chiropractor on that second floor as well. “We will renovate to suit,” said Terry. They would like to have physical fitness classes in the building’s lower level. It’s a tall order, but they believe it’s all possible. “We have our dreams, but we also want to use the building to support other people’s dreams,” said Kimberly.
Process Under Way
“We have hoops to jump through yet,” said Terry. The building has been purchased. Next is
financing, which they estimate will be in the range of $300,000, then permits, then renovations. They hope to complete the process within a year.
A primary goal is to keep the integrity of the building. They will find a special spot for the Elks memorabilia and retain as much of the charm of the building as possible. Alan Finney of Tallat Design will be overseeing the design and renovations.
Kimberly Revet is a medical grade Aesthecian. She has worked in spas for 18 years. Terry has operated her own business for 16 years. They hope their interest in restoring a property in downtown Hoosick Falls will inspire someone else to buy or rent one of the vacant downtown buildings.
The Building’s History
Originally the home of the Benedict family, the stately building was purchased by the Hoosick Falls Elks Club Lodge 178, B.P.O.E. in 1907. According to the Town of Hoosick Historical Society a dance floor and dining area were added to the building in 1963. The third floor of the building was removed in 1966. The bar was remodeled in 1967, and the clubhouse was renovated and redecorated in 1969.
For many years the Elks Club was one of the most popular organizations in Town with more than 350 members at one time. As with many service organizations, membership declined in recent years and in 2008 the Club disbanded, transferred its membership to Bennington, VT, and the building was put up for sale.