“You’ll have a tattoo shop and a motorcyle shop, all under one roof.”
So says Jason Cantwell of Derby City Custom Motorcycles, which according to this Fox41 report, is moving into part of the old CityBlock complex on Jefferson Street downtown. He also operates a tattoo shop that is moving in. Signs are already up, and the business is expected to open soon.
We can’t help but wonder if this is the kind of business the city wants to locate right next to the Convention Center. So we asked.
“We don’t want to see an empty block, so whatever business they can bring in to reactivate that block will be good for the block,” said Chris Poynter, a spokesman for the Mayor.
CityBlock, the nightclub complex operated for two decades by Ward Plauche and Don Blackburn, closed last month amid some controversy, as the owners believed their competition at Fourth Street Live was being unfairly supported by the Mayor’s Office. The city awarded Cordish, the developer, nearly $1 million in economic devleopment money.
Cantwell, along with his brother Jeremy, produce a television show called “Ride Real” that airs on the CW. They are moving the motorcyle business from Hurstbourne Lane. They also have a tattoo business on Baxter.
The new business will occupy 15,000 square feet on the east side of the building. According to Plauche, the deal’s been in the works since early this year.
That real estate is owned by Stan Fischer, the former owner of Stan’s Pawn Shop, which previously occupied some of the space.
There is another 35,000 square feet of space available in the complex. No tenants have been signed for that space. Second Street Corp., which operated CityBlock, controls that space in a long-term lease.
“We’ve had interest in the building from out-of-town entities and one of the negotiable hurdles they see is how to offset the unlevel playing field created by city government.” said Plauche. He said he is temporarily renting the space to concert promoters for special events.
15 responses so far ↓
1 Raoul Duke // May 15, 2009 at 10:45 am
Great job, Big Head Jerry. Now we have a tatoo parlor and a motorcycle shop that will enhance downtown nightlife. A perfect complement for Fourth Street Live. Hey, Jer. Catch a clue. You didn’t get the guys from American Chopper or West Coast Chopper. You got some local thugs that try to bend iron and scratch on peoples’ shoulders.
Nice goin’ Jer. You’re a real business genius.
2 Carter Burger // May 15, 2009 at 11:34 am
“We don’t want to see an empty block, so whatever business they can bring in to reactivate that block will be good for the block,”
I would have loved to seen their reaction if Godfather or Trixie’s had of tried to move in that building.
3 David Harpe // May 15, 2009 at 11:37 am
Since the block has the infamous and seemingly immovable “Love Boutique” on the Northwest corner, options are limited. There are only a few types of businesses that would feel comfortable next to a 24-hour adult novelty store. General retail, dining or anything chain-oriented will not locate in that block until the adult store is gone.
4 john // May 15, 2009 at 11:41 am
“We can’t help but wonder if this is the kind of business the city wants to locate right next to the Convention Center.”
What exactly is wrong with a tattoo shop, a motorcycle shop or the combination of the two?
5 Freak // May 15, 2009 at 11:49 am
I know this company…. It’s a joke. There are shady things going on. Enough said.
6 lt // May 15, 2009 at 11:51 am
This is a great local show! And by the way, these are good, local kids doing positive things for our community. Do you know how much money these guys have raised for local charities for this community. And by the way, they do not produce Ride Real. BMB Productions does! AND BMB is LOCAL also. Hello! LOCAL!
7 Freak // May 15, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Hey it… Did they ever mention on the show that Jason spraypainted a trailer that was for a charity?bet not. Jeremy is a great guy. He’s just stuck in the middle of it.
8 lt // May 15, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Whatever that means FREAK, it is LT!
9 Voter // May 15, 2009 at 7:39 pm
You all must realize that the real issue here is how hard those guys will have it trying to recreate a new tenant /user for that space when whoever goes in there must operate by general business practices and pay all the taxes, debt,and expenses that go along with running a business on their own Nickel!
All the While….$4St. The Crooks in the City Administration & the Cordish Guys are surviving by a Special set of rules along with Free Money for the start up cost ,operating and marketing expenses!
Maybethe City would like to weigh in on suggestions for tenants,and allocate the City Block Guys some of that FORGIVABLE FUNDING. What the Hell? The guys that are opening the Derby City Customs Shop should be commended!…..I wish them Good Luck!…..I’m sure they neither have been given any FREE Money or Help from the City?…..They are most likely doing it the OLD FASHION way, taking a risk on their own and working their Ass off. I doubt that the City will “F” with them and Louisvilles Loyal knit group of bikers that will support them….Maybe Jerry can PISS them off too?They would make him cry like the little Bitch he is.
The Derby City Customs Guys are Stand Up Businessmen, make a Quality product,Have done lots in the Community to help a number of charities. They will do well Downtown, The City should be happy that they are local Guys and should give them the same consideration they give CORDISH & His tenants,.
10 Voter // May 15, 2009 at 7:50 pm
“We don’t want to see an empty block, so whatever business they can bring in to reactivate that block will be good for the block,” said Chris Poynter, a spokesman for the Mayor
With that being said….then why dosen’t the City Allocate some $$$ and Give some Breaks to the Local Guys….Ever notice how those political answers are always so non-commital????
What’s wrong with the Mayor ?….Isn’t he a Big Enough Boy to Speak for Himself…..It’s so Obvious he’s avoided Q&A on the subject and it’s time that he face the music! There should be an inquisition by the Metro Council, and the PRESIDENT of the council should Demand it or resign.
11 man // May 15, 2009 at 7:50 pm
“We don’t want to see an empty block, so whatever business they can bring in to reactivate that block will be good for the block,” said Chris Poynter, a spokesman for the Mayor
With that being said….then why dosen’t the City Allocate some $$$ and Give some Breaks to the Local Guys….Ever notice how those political answers are always so non-commital????
What’s wrong with the Mayor ?….Isn’t he a Big Enough Boy to Speak for Himself…..It’s so Obvious he’s avoided Q&A on the subject and it’s time that he face the music! There should be an inquisition by the Metro Council, and the PRESIDENT of the council should Demand it or resign.
12 man // May 15, 2009 at 8:01 pm
“We don’t want to see an empty block, so whatever business they can bring in to reactivate that block will be good for the block,” said Chris Poynter, a spokesman for the Mayor
With that being said….then why dosen’t the City Allocate some $$$ and Give some Breaks to the Local Guys….Ever notice how those political answers are always so non-commital????
What’s wrong with the Mayor ?….Isn’t he a Big Enough Boy to Speak for Himself…..It’s so Obvious he’s avoided Q&A on the subject and it’s time that he face the music! There should be an inquisition by the Metro Council, and the PRESIDENT of the council should Demand it or resign.
OOPS!…..sorry for the the double post, It hit the wrong button & ZAP……I’m not a frequent Flyer here but had to comment.
VOTER is on the money……All the BS the Mayors’ spokesmen put out for damage control is just babble. And the Councilmen who have the chance to control the Mayor and his Dirty Deals and do nothing , should be remembered when election time comes again. All that partisan stand off stinks. If the Dems on the Council are subcomming to the mayor and not listening to the people, they need to be removed.
13 Raoul Duke // May 16, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Of course Big Head Jerry won’t speak for himself. He might have to answer some uncomfortable questions.
14 Style over Substance // May 16, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Oh come on…The president of the council ‘demand’ something of the mayor??? What are you smoking?? Can I have some?
Tandy won’t do anything to lose the “annointed” status that he believes is his birthright from Abramson. Problem is, once Jer is indicted by the Feds, he’ll be awful lonely in his ivory tower without big brah there to protect him.
Tandy doesn’t have the political acumen to seize the big, fat, veiny opportunity that is being served up under his sweaty, calculating nostrils.
15 Jimmy // May 16, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I am kind of blown away with the comments about having a scooter shop with a tattoo shop going on. HELLOOOOOOOOOOO if these brothers are creating jobs with either business, and just in case you have not paid attention, obviously the tattoo business is THRIVING look at any sports figure from highschool to pro, you may not like it but its MONEY people get off your high horse and take a look around
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