Former Rich’s Lounge to house boutique

The Rich’s Lounge makeover recently got underway and the building already has attracted its first new tenant.

Britash boutique will rent space on the east side of the structure, facing Pastina Rustic Italian Kitchen, said building owner Joe Longo.

The clothing and aesthetician store will offer “personal attention to detail for all your beauty and fashion needs,” said local resident Christie Olson, who will run the business with daughters Brittanie and Ashleigh, and their friend, Peggy Adams.

Another 1,500 square feet remains available on the west side of the building, and one of two apartments is for rent.

“The plans for the property are to give it a new look for retail,” Longo said. “There are no plans for another restaurant at this time; we are doing a complete remodel of both retail ground floor and existing apartments on the second level.”

Mentor Planning Commission on Oct. 19 approved his re-imaging plans, at 9324 Mentor Ave., including painting the brick a gray tone. The building also will get new windows and doors, and black awnings.

At the previous meeting, the commission expressed concern about whether the gray would go well with the adjacent buildings, including Pastina. Members favored keeping the existing brick, but because of the building’s age — built in 1964 — Longo said the color would be difficult to match.

However, he presented the commission with plans for a warmer gray shade, plus adding gray stone on the exterior, from the top of the awnings down, “giving it a little more contrast.” He also provided samples of the brick with gray paint, per the commission’s request.

“I think it looks good,” Chairman William Snow said.

The proposal passed unanimously.

The Longo family initially purchased Rich’s Lounge to provide more parking for Pastina, opened by Joe’s sister, Tina Greci, in 2015.