union-recorder-042513 by Enquirer Media

UNION

RECORDER

Your Community Recorder newspaper serving Union, Richwood and Walton 75¢

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

400TH WIN A6 Milestone an honor for Ryle baseball players.

BECAUSE COMMUNITY MATTERS

St. E explores former site of Natorp’s

DOGWOOD DASH

Action depends on zoning change By Melissa Stewart mstewart@nky.com

Mother and daughter duo Diane McMahan of Independence and Angie Kimball of Florence are ready to run in the Dogwood Dash. Race results, A2. STEPHANIE SALMONS/THE COMMUNITY RECORDER

Antiques are booming thanks to ‘green’ interest Florence Antique Mall expands hours By Melissa Stewart mstewart@nky.com

FLORENCE — No matter how much the weather fluctuates, “the sun is shining on the Florence Antique Mall,” according to owner Coleen Detzel. The antique mall on Mall Road, set to celebrate its 15th anniversary this summer, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony with Florence Mayor Diane Whalen and other guests 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 1. “It’s a grand re-opening mindset for us,” Detzel said. “It’s letting people know we’re bigger, we’re better and more customer friendly than we’ve ever been.” Florence Antique Mall is celebrating a few advancements including a computer and outside lighting upgrades and extended business hours. The mall will be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily starting May 1. The mall offers a wide selection of antiques, collectibles and furniture from more than 100 independent dealers. The mall is at its highest capacity of dealers in almost seven years, Detzel said. There’s now a waiting list to join. The reason for the surge goes along with the growing interest in a more “green” earth, according to Detzel. “Antiquers were the original green team,” she said. “And today everybody encourages people to rethink, reuse and repurpose.”

RITA’S KITCHEN Celebrate spring with roasted asparagus. B3

Florence Antique Mall owner Coleen Detzel, left, and general manger Wendy Phillips are shown in front of the mall’s front display area. The Antique Mall, located at Mall Road in Florence, will extend its hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily starting Wednesday, May 1.

FLORENCE — According to property owner Zalla Companies, the old Natorp’s site could be under development before the end of the year pending approval of a zone change by Florence City Council. Zalla general manager David Heidrich said the challenge with the property, located at 8727 U.S. 42, Florence, is that while it is zoned C-2, it has a restriction that limits it to a nursery. Without restrictions, C-2 zoning allows for a wide variety of uses. “The surrounding developments called for a higher use than retail nursery,” Heidrich said. “We have committed to building whatever we build in architectural symmetry with neighboring facilities, including in particular the Citizens Bank on the site. Specifically it will include lots of brick, stone lintels a dimensional shingled roof and other features.” Zalla submitted two options for redevelopment. The first involves a two- or three-story office or medical building consisting of about 30,000 to 45,000 square feet. The second option would be for a smaller office or medical building and a restaurant or retail building. Heidrich said a choice between the options wouldn’t be made until later this summer and will depend on “our ability to attract tenants.” He said that St. Elizabeth Physicians has already expressed interest in the space. “St. Elizabeth Physicians is excited about this opportunity and its ability to support our continued commitment to provide patients in Union and sur-

“We are planning to build a new medical office at the site of the former Natorp’s Nursery to provide Urgent Care services.” JACOB J. BAST

St. Elizabeth Physicians

rounding communities with improved access to health services and a better care experience,” said Jacob J. Bast, senior vice president and chief operating officer for St. Elizabeth Physicians. “Working closely with our development partner, Zalla Companies, we are planning to build a new medical office at the site of the former Natorp’s Nursery to provide Urgent Care services. Additional health care services at this site are under consideration, but at this time we are in the exploration phase of this project.” On April 3, the Boone County Planning Commission approved the request for the zoning amendment. Kevin Wall, director of zoning services for Boone County Planning Commission, said the zone change recommendation will be sent to Florence City Council for consideration sometime in May, upon approval of the minutes from April’s meeting. Currently Pipkin’s Garden Market is operating on the site. Heidrich said the market is scheduled to operate only for this season. “(Pipkins) have expressed that they are pleased and would like to extend, but I expect by next year, it will be well under development,” Heidrich said.

Want to continue the conversation? Tweet @MStewartReports

MELISSA STEWART/THE COMMUNITY RECORDER

She said using the latest technology and social media also helps. “We serve all manner of shoppers from teenagers to retirees, college students to busy families and young couples just starting out,” Detzel said. The items offered at the mall, she said, are quality items that are going to last and customers know that because the items have already lasted for generations. Detzel and her husband, Mike, will have opened the mall 15 years ago in August. Detzel was an independent dealer who was involved in local shows. She and Mike saw a

need for an antique mall. “It was an amazing success from the get-go,” Detzel said. “I remember when we first opened, people parked all along Mall Road to visit. We knew that we had the recipe for success. It was up to us how to grow it from there.” The recipe for continued success? A dedicated, knowledgeable staff and quality items from knowledgeable dealers, said general manager Wendy Phillips. “When you think about it, we’re really over 100 local small businesses, all working

REDS LOVE St. Timothy Preschool has a parade for its favorite ball team. B1

See ANTIQUES, Page A2

COLLECTION TIME In the next few days, your Community Recorder carrier will be stopping by to collect $3.50 for delivery of this month’s Union Recorder. Your carrier retains half this amount along with any tip you give to reward good Vollbrecht service. This month we’re featur-

News ..........................283-0404 Retail advertising .........513-768-8338 Classified advertising .........283-7290 Delivery ........................781-4421 See page A2 for additional information

ing Charles Vollbrecht, an eighth-grader at Gray Middle School. He’s an assistant with children’s liturgy at St. Timothy’s Church and plays in the middle school band. He enjoys being outdoors, humor, video games and hanging out with friends. For information about our carrier program, please call Karen Smith, district manager, at 859-442-3463 or email ksmith@communitypress.com.