Finale underway for Piano Merchant

December 26, 2007
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54th and CollegeThe Piano Merchant is closing after almost 22 years in business at the corner of 54th Street and College Avenue. One of the three partners is ill and another is ready to retire, said Doug Lawson, the store's general manager and a third partner. The group closed its Carmel store in 2006 and plans to close the Indianapolis location by the year's end. The owners plan to continue to service the hundreds of pianos they have sold over the years. Partners Brian Spears and Bill Scharbrough own the building and expect they won't have any trouble leasing the Piano Merchant space. Both Yats and Jazz Kitchen are eager for more space, and a new Fresh Market is under construction just to the north.


(Image: TruDysigns of Carmel)

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  • Purple Pineapple!December 26, 2007 8:29 PM
    I would love a little wine and cheese shop to go there!
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  • urban indyDecember 27, 2007 10:13 AM
    Yats has really helped that corner, as the space it took had been a bit cursed, and now it's a hotspot. Thanks be to Yats. That said, its small space is one of its charms. However, I can't fault them for wanting to expand. Maybe they'll use real silverware.

    I'm a bit surprised the Jazz Kitchen wants more space. They just expanded a few years ago.

    While we're making suggestions for something to go there, I'm gonna throw this out: a bookstore like Big Hat Books.
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  • FlackDecember 27, 2007 1:08 PM
    I'd like to see a nice breakfast-and-lunch spot. Oh wait--there's already Northside News Cafe at 54th and Taste Cafe at 52nd.

    How about an independent record store? Oh yeah--Luna's at 52nd now.

    Flower shop? Yep--Bokay and Posh Petals.

    I know! A specialty pet store! Oh, that's right--City Dogs is at 49th and College.

    I'm sad to see the Piano Merchant go just as College Ave. is undergoing a retail resurgence. They've been great for the neighborhood, even through the tough times. It'll be exciting to see what comes next, though. How about a jewelry/gift shop, a la Silver/Home in the City, or Turandot?
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  • bkarnesDecember 27, 2007 6:08 PM
    I know....cover up all of the windows and turn it into a pea shake house.

    Just kidding...I'd vote for expanding Yats. I love that place, but it's hard to find a seat.
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  • MarcellaDecember 27, 2007 11:18 PM
    Cory, I read on braingirl's blog that Barcelona Tapas is closing? Do you have any more details?
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