[October 25, 2023]
Catching you up on business district news:
The art of martial arts
Southwest Portland Martial Arts/Crossfit Hillsdale has transformed its new space on Capitol Hwy. The location housed a Bank of America for many years. It stood empty for almost three years after the bank ceased operations there during the pandemic and then moved out completely, leaving the storefront vacant for a year.
Besides bringing new life and activity to that corner of Hillsdale with a bustling martial arts school and gym, co-owners Lara and Wally Jones have improved the curb appeal. Blank walls where the bank ATM's used to stand are now decorated with colorful murals created by Portland artist Monica Milligan.
New art work commissioned by Southwest Portland Martial Arts/Crossfit Hillsdale brightens the previously empty storefront and blank walls.
A sweet event
New to the Hillsdale business district, candymaker How Sweet It Is has announced its Grand Opening on Friday, October 27 2-6pm, 6306 Hillsdale Shopping Center.
Hillsdale will become the retail home for Brian and Pilar Vocker's small batch, handcrafted confectionery items. Treats include caramel corn clusters, mallows, chocolate bark, and chocolate-covered fruit and nuts.
New look, same people
The Hillsdale Liquor store has rebranded as Sip City Spirits+Wine+Beer. Owner Bruce Randall said the rebranding also covers their other location on West Burnside St. Along with a third store in the Uptown Shopping Center on NW 23rd, Randall says their stores are now "the most dominant brand for Oregon liquor stores." Ownership, management, and staff will remain the same, but Randall says customers will find a refreshed store interior that features new merchandising, new signage, new colors and an expanded selection with an emphasis on ready-to-drink cocktails and tequila.
Seasonal schedule change
The Hillsdale Farmers' Market heads into its bi-weekly schedule on December 3. The final weekly Farmers' Market of the year is on November 19.
—Valeurie Friedman
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