Smith Building

In November of 2015 we bought this property out of foreclose. It was built in 1897 as a branch of the Chicago Bankers Life office and was built to true Chicago architecture standards. This building acted as a holding company for cash and was built with a series of vaults throughout. The structure is comprised of concrete and brick over a steal skeleton and many of the walls and floors are over 3 feet thick.
The Plan:
The Smith building development will be a multi use commercial building. It will feature storefronts along 1st Ave built with turn of the century charm. Affordable downtown apartments with great amenities. Several upscale loft style apartments. There will also be room for several office suites.
The Smith building will house a variety of neighborhood businesses which we are confident will add hometown charisma to Monmouth.
1st Ave Pub. The pub will be undergoing many renovations to both the interior and storefront. The vinyl siding will be coming down and replaced with a warm pub entrance. This great neighborhood watering hole will provide a great place for a beer after work or a night on the town.
Trego Bakery. This little spot is often overlooked. For the last several years Jorge has been providing delicious Mexican pastries and bread. They provide bread for many area restaurants and do a great business. If you have not tried it you are missing out. Again the vinyl siding will be coming down and replaced with a storefront that is unique, inviting and nostalgic to the era of the building.
Massage by Ashley. We are very happy to welcome Ashley to the building. Ashley has been providing Massages in Monmouth on Main street and brings a great clientele to the building. A quick visit will leave you feeling like a new person.
Wildflower Natural Store will be moving into 123. This space has been gutted down to the original tin ceilings and oak floors and is being restored to a turn of the century neighborhood grocery. It will feature Natural and organic shopping options right here in Monmouth eliminating the need to drive out of town for your high quality ingredients and healthy living options. This storefront has been covered for many years but is our next project. Soon you will see a pleasant grocery store entrance bustling with shoppers instead of dilapidated siding which now covers up this beautiful space. Please Join us in July for the grand opening.
The Pastry Palace formally at 125 West 1st ave will be coming back by popular demand. This spot is being completely restored back to its original glory. Beneath 5 layers of ceiling and 4 layers of floor we discovered unique tin ceilings and beautiful oak floors that have been hidden for over 60 years. The Pastry Palace will offer fresh homemade (not frozen) donuts. Gourmet coffee at a great price. We will also provide a menu for quick meals featuring Deli sandwiches along with light fare made with natural ingredients. When you eat at the pastry palace you will enjoy a delicious meal at a great price with unbelievably fast service. Stay tuned for Pastry Palace updates.
Monmouth is not only a great place to live but also a great place to do business. Please support our new shops along with all the other great businesses that we are blessed with having in our great community!