Kandy Kastle building
Jonathan and Heather Bell, who have restored a number of homes in Highland Park, said they plan to convert the former Kandy Kastle Daycare building into five storefront units.
Ruth Darby will open her Deli Man and the Cake Lady business in one of the units, Heather Bell said.
She said work on the facility, that was bought from Gerald Mason, will begin next Monday. Deli Man and the Cake Lady is expected to open in February.
Ms. Bell said she and her husband will move their business office into another one of the units.
The other three are available for lease, she said.
Ms. Bell said there will be a new facade constructed of decorative paneling and glass similar to one built recently by a dentist on Main Street near the Southside Jazz Junction.
She said there will be excavation at the rear for sunken patios. She said that will serve as an outdoor dining area.
The building will be getting a new roof as well as new electrical, heating and air conditioning and plumbing, she said.
The site is at 142 McCallie Ave. near where the Bells recently opened an antique mall at the corner of Greenwood.
Ms. Bell, who favors the conversion of McCallie Avenue to two-way, said that was a main factor in Ms. Darby deciding to sign the lease.
Ms. Bell said, The two-way will allow employees at Erlanger to reach us much more easily."
She said, with the nearby hospitals, there are 10,000 workers within a 1.8-mile radius.
The Bells own the Kandy Kastle building along with partner Paul Hatcher.