Finally a business for old hardware store in WC?

It’s been several years since the hardware in West Concord closed its doors but it is looking like there may be a buyer who wants to start a business in the community.
Theresa French, of West Concord, told council members at their last meeting that she was interested in entering into a lease with an option to buy agreement. Her plan, she said, is to open a dance/fitness studio.
When the hardware store closed the city bought the building with the intent of selling to a new business. Although there have been inquiries from potential buyers, nothing concrete has surfaced until French’s idea.
In the interim the building, which is now off the tax rolls as a city-owned property, has been used to host various city events and is now the temporary home of the West Concord Public Library.
French says her studio would be based on free style dancing along with a fitness component.
“I really see an opportunity for bringing something of health to West Concord,” she said.
There would be no routine to the dance, she said, although sessions would be having various themes including 1930s, 1950s, sock hops and ballroom. She said she anticipates having all music genres so it would appeal to all ages.
There would also be optional heart rate training and monitoring for fitness available for those who wanted it, she said. The program, she said, would be lead by a certified group fitness instructor. French is also a group fitness instructor.
And for those who were not as involved in the fitness aspect, she said, they could “just dance for fun.”
Initially, she said, the studio would be open three nights a week. If all goes as planned, she said, she would expand to more hours and days a week.
Phase One of the program would involve classes offered three days a week.
Moving into Phase Two, she said, she plans to offer personal training and nutrition coaching, personal development classes and some merchandise such as supplements, retail and apparel. At this point she also plans to have childcare for busy moms while at the studio.
Ultimately she hopes to offer hosting for celebrations such as children’s birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, reunions and baby showers. Also down the line she sees guest DJ and band nights for community dances, guest dance instructors/choreographers for kids and adults and a yoga or Pilates guest instructor.
French said she has been thinking about the studio for several years.
“Everyone has a dream,” she said, “mine is simple. To create a place in my home town where neighbors of all ages, who share a love of music and dance, can come together for fun and fellowship in the name of health and mental wellbeing.”
Not only will it strengthen bodies, she said, but also the community through the new relationships forged.
For now, the next step is to meet for a second time with the Economic Development Agency, which will then make a recommendation to the city council.
French said her timing is flexible and any agreement with the city will take into account how long the library needs to use the space. The library has been relocated to the building while repairs and remodeling are completed at the library facility in city hall.