NORTHAMPTON — The Parsons Block, a landmark anchor in downtown Florence, is undergoing some much-needed sprucing up this summer, one of several establishments in the village that’s getting a new look.

Zachariah Vaughan, CEO of the company the owners of the Parsons building have hired to paint the interior hallways and all of the exterior storefronts, said he’s excited to be part of historic restorations in “his downtown.”

“Restorations are our favorite thing to do at Grace Paint and Tile,” he said, referring to the Northampton company. “The before and afters are going to be breathtaking when we’re done.”

The Parsons Block building was owned by legendary business owner Tim Shea, who died in 2018, and is now owned by a trust of which Shea’s four children are beneficiaries. The building is home to businesses that include Bird’s Store, Doyle’s Package Store and A-1 Pizza House.

Virginia Shea, Tim Shea’s daughter, said that her father would be very happy that his children are taking care of the building, which she described as an iconic historic building.

“To me it’s like another home,” she said.

In addition to the paintwork, Shea said that they’re looking to put in new awnings and to fill some of the empty units in the building.

She also said that she would love to keep the property in her family and keep restoring the building.

Vaughan said that in the future, they may also paint the windows with the half-moons on the second floor and the dental cornice.

Other developments

Scott Keiter and his wife Jill Keiter, who own Keiter Builders, recently purchased the property that includes 59 Main St. — home of Starr’s Pizza.

“We are renovating that building and bringing it back to life,” Scott Keiter said.

Keiter said that they have had the facade of Starr’s Pizza redone, and have also renovated the apartment upstairs. He also said that they intend to renovate inside the restaurant and to do renovations on the 2 Bratton Court building, which is on the same property.

“We think the reinvesting in the town itself will only make it a better place,” Keiter said.

He also shared he and his wife’s appreciation for the community.

“We love Florence,” Keiter said. “Jill and I are in it for the long run.”

Nearby, Georgie Brunton, who owns Miss Florence Diner, has made improvements to her businesses as well, and she said that she’s seeing new energy in Florence’s downtown.

“I feel like there’s more of a renaissance happening,” Brunton said.

Brunton teamed up with JJ’s Tavern owner Jon Neumann to create an outdoor dining space and music venue behind their establishments that both of their customers could use.

“We’ve battled through COVID together,” said Neumann, when asked about their partnership.

However, he did express frustration that the space is currently only permitted to host unamplified music.

Brunton is also the owner of the former Florence Soft Serve, which she renamed Little Miss Flo’s IceCream Shop.

“I just wanted everything kind of tied together,” she said.

This year she renovated the ice cream establishment, with colors that match the diner.

Brunton also said that “people are coming out in droves” to the diner, and noted that folks are stepping forward to put on Florence Night Out.

Florence Night Out, a neighborhood arts festival and community party, wasn’t held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was just not safe enough,” said Donnabelle Casis, who founded Florence Night Out.

This year’s Florence Night Out will take place on Sept. 25, as opposed to in June when it usually takes place. Main Street, along with parts of Maple Street and North Maple Street will be closed from 4 to 7 p.m., while the festival is ongoing. There will be an after party at Florence Congregational church from 7-8 p.m.

The festival will feature poetry, dance and music, as well as multiple stages. There will also be four films screened that were commissioned by the fes tival, as well as screenings of other short films.

Last time Florence Night Out was held was in 2019, and Casis said that it drew more than 5,000 people.

“It was a big hit,” she said.

Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.

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