Jul 29, 2007

Town’s charm is easy sell; Taneytown boutique is latest addition to steady influx of new tenantsBy Cassandra A. FortinBaltimoreSun.com

When Jeff and Cynthia Lewis first saw the dilapidated Taneytown property in photographs three years ago, they believed it needed to be saved.

Inside, the ceiling was crumbling and the entire structure needed upgrading. But Jeff Lewis said he was up for the challenge.

“I bought the building for $170,000, sight unseen, with the intention of fixing it up on a part-time basis,” said Lewis, 51, of Fort Myers, Fla. “The location and the town were perfect. Taneytown still has the historic fabric laced in the community.”

After spending three years, and more than $500,000, the Lewises opened The Cherry Tree Shoppe in the building. They have turned it into a boutique that carries new, old and vintage gift items ranging from handmade purses and jewelry, to shoes, plaques, signs, shawls, homemade quilts, and furniture.

The Lewises aren’t the only new tenants in Taneytown, said Nancy McCormick, director of economic development for the town.

“The Cherry Tree Shoppe is one of a wonderful resurgence of quality businesses that have opened in Taneytown in the past year,” McCormick said.

Other shops that have opened recently in Taneytown include: Pristine Antiques and Collectibles, East Baltimore Market, Pampered Lady Spa, and Piccadilly’s Tearoom, the Red Hat Bazaar and BEI Collectibles.

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