Old Videoland Building Soon to House New Businesses

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, February 28, 2008 - Two new businesses (and a possible third) will be opening soon in the original Johnson's Music Store building -- most recently Cabinetry `N Designs -- located at 126 West Aurora Street in Downtown Ironwood.

On the right-hand side of the building will be G & M Motorsports. G & M will be dealing in snowmobiles, ATV's, and motorcycles. The business will also offer 24-hour towing, parts and accessories for recreational vehicles. Business co-owner Donald Morrison told the Chronicle that they will also be adding a small garage in the near future for rebuilding old cars, which will be transported out west to be sold.

On the left-hand side of the building will be Pipes and Bikes. Pipes and Bikes will be taking old bikes, reconditioning them, and then selling them at a "cheaper than new" price. In addition to bikes, the new shop will feature smoking pipes of all types. The new store will be managed by Josh Jenkins of Ironwood.

Also on the left-hand side will be the Loop which will feature dance clothing and video gaming. The games will be downloaded and available to be played onsite. The businesses on the left-hand side of the building will be age restricted, with nobody under the age of eighteen permitted on the premises.

Morrison's partner in the new venture is Jerry Garrison. Morrison was born in raised in Ironwood, and has just returned to the area after living in Battle Creek, Michigan. Jerry Garrison was originally from Minnesota, but he moved to Ironwood several years ago.

Morrison said, "I love the community and everything. I just wanted to give something back."

Garrison and Morrison purchased the building from an unidentified party in Minneapolis through Kolehmainen Realty.

"The building is in need of repairs. I'm in the process of doing that." Morrison said, "I'm pretty much taking an eyesore and turning it into something. How many buildings downtown here are empty? You know, where's the business at? Again, it's certain people not allowing a business to come in!"

Garrison started to explain, "There have been some people with the City that have helped us out," and Morrison finished, "However there are a lot that haven't." Morrison added, "Dennis Hewitt has been a big help to us. Garrison agreed, "He's probably been more help than any of them!"

The two gentleman went before the Planning Commission on February 7^th seeking to have the old Colonial Skateland building rezoned commercial. The were originally going to purchase the building from the Lighthouse Family Church and locate their business there.

Pipes and Bikes is expected to open for business next week. G & M Motorsports will open soon, the owners stated, but they are not going to rush. As the businesses open, the Chronicle will have more detailed reports and photos.

Jim Albert