WRITER: Chad Lawhorn

Lawrence sales tax collections losing steam as year closes, but single-family building permits rebounding

As the numbers get short on the calendar, let’s take a look at a couple of numbers from Lawrence City Hall, with one set gaining steam and the other losing it. — First is the monthly report on sales tax collections in Lawrence. Those numbers are losing steam, and it sure appears likely that the city won’t meet its budget numbers for sales tax collections. The latest report from the state — the 11th ...

From coffee to cats, this new downtown shop bets it can warm you up; Espurresso becomes city's first 'cat cafe'

At the new downtown Lawrence coffee shop Espurresso, the java is popular, and, of course, is served in a cup. But it has a hard time competing with the shop’s most unique product, Syd, which often times is served in your lap. As the name suggests, Espurresso is not your ordinary coffee shop. It is a “cat cafe,” and Syd is the resident cat. She draws plenty of customers on her own, and she doesn’t ...

New boutique in downtown Lawrence gets creative with both jewelry, furniture

My idea of furniture and jewelry coming together is finding an earring in the couch cushions. However, my banker and I also know of someone whose ideas trend more toward a new gemstone — or maybe a string of them — to complement the couch’s upholstery. Whatever your idea is, there is a new store in downtown Lawrence that indeed combines furniture and jewelry. The Village Boutique opened earlier this ...

Longtime art studio in East Lawrence closing; downtown restaurant set to get historic facelift

An art studio that has had a nearly 30-year history in East Lawrence is down to its final days. Dave Loewenstein is shuttering his longtime studio at 411 E. Ninth St. shortly after hosting a farewell party and “free sale” from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. But, no, the noted muralist and artist who often has been a leader both in the Lawrence arts world and for a number of causes related to his East ...

Four longtime leaders chosen for 2024 induction into Lawrence Business Hall of Fame

Bob Schumm started his restaurant business on the steps of Lawrence fraternity and sorority houses. Deanell Tacha had a legal career that took her one step away from a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Mike McGrew has sold thousands of front steps and every other part of Lawrence and Douglas County homes. But Peggy Johnson might lay claim to the sweetest career step. Her doughnuts and coffee at Jennings ...

County's $70M judicial center project would add 70,000 square feet of space, one courtroom

When it comes to a possible expansion of the county’s Judicial and Law Enforcement Center in downtown Lawrence, 70s are wild. First, the estimated project cost for the renovation and expansion of the building near the county courthouse at 11th and Massachusetts is $70 million Second, the amount of new space that would be added to the building is 70,000 square feet. Third, the project, when completed, ...