TRR Photo by Krista Gromalski Shoppers at The Old Lumberyard Shops make their way across the covered walkway designed by Milford architect Christopher Flacke. (Click for larger image)

By KRISTA GROMALSKI

MILFORD - There are individuals who can look at a piece of stone and perceive a sculpture waiting to be carved into existence. Such perception involves vision rather than sight. Sean Strub looked at a desolate lumberyard in Milford and perceived a vibrant handful of quaint specialty shops waiting to accommodate a growing market of residents and tourists.

Strub's vision is now The Old Lumberyard Shops, the centerpiece of several restoration projects the young entrepreneur is facilitating. "I hope projects like this will create a community shopping environment, where people can park and walk to shops rather than further exacerbate a bad traffic situation," said Strub, who bought the lumberyard in August 1998 from the Luhrs family. In the earlier part of the 20th century it was Phillips' Lumberyard, then Horn's Lumber and then Luhrs.

When Strub bought the property the only existing retail was Carol Ann's Linen Closet in the longest of the buildings. "We were in the Lumberyard Shops before they were the Lumberyard Shops," said owner Carol Ann Sklar. During renovations, the roof was raised on the building to create a cavernous second floor space, Strub said. In two of the other buildings there were dirt floors and no plumbing or heating. The parking lot and spaces between buildings were gravel.

	TRR photo by Krista Gromalski Rhonda Hudson, above, assists a client among the selection of specialty cheeses and other gourmet foods at Hudson & Hudson. (Click for larger image)

Last year, the buildings now housing Hudson & Hudson and The Village Pastry Cafe were completed, Strub said. The center area was closed to create a courtyard and landscaping was done. "This was the building they stored bags of cement in," said Ed Hudson.

Strub hired his cousin, Milford architect Christopher Flacke, to design the covered walkway leading to Old Lumberyard Antiques on the second floor. The structure brought continuity.

Strub emphasized he does not want to contribute to urban sprawl but rather practice "architectural adaptive reuse." His concept for the lumberyard is to create the atmosphere of a village market that adds something new to the community, attracts visitors and encourages local artisans.

Strolling alphabetically, shoppers can browse a cosmopolitan collection ranging from fine feasts to fashion.

The ARTery gallery, owned and operated by a cooperative of artists, offers original work in a variety of media. "The gallery is doing quite nicely," said member artist Alvin Rosser.

In November 1999 Blue Sage, owned by Eva Kyle, made its debut, mixing aromatic candles alongside CD's, metalwork and accent pieces.

	TRR photo by Krista Gromaldi A window in the ARTery, above, is graced by Kim Lust's Pottery and Barbara Arrindell's leaded glass. (Click for larger image)

At Carol Ann's Linen Closet, Sklar, who says she opened with the idea that people want a choice in bedding and home fashion, is celebrating her fourth year. The shop carries a selection of window and table lace, linens, cotton bedding, bath decor, blankets and pillows. "The customers taught me what to put in the store," she said.

Tucked away under the walkway stairs is Etat de Siege, owned by former model Marie Amina Thiam who now reupholsters furniture using only natural materials. "I do good work because I am working with beautiful things," said Thiam.

For a special gift for a favorite youngster, Gillespie's Child offers award-winning educational and creative toys, clothing and accessories.

Ed Hudson and his wife Rhonda, owners of Hudson & Hudson, lay claim to Milford's most diversified gourmet food shop. "We focused on this concept because of our own needs and desires," said Ed. Among the delicious assortment of snacks and staples is the cheese case featuring 60 varieties of imported and domestic cheeses. Like Sklar, the Hudsons listened to their clients in creating their inventory.

Let's Party! owners Martha and Joe LaPera opened their doors in March 2000 to fill a need for a local source of party favors and decorations for special occasions. "People had to travel to Middletown or further," Joe said.

MaryJane "Missi" Strub, Sean's sister, is proprietor of Old Lumberyard Antiques. "Business is going great," she said of her multi-dealer operation that rents to almost two dozen dealers. "We're fortunate to have a variety of antique pro-fessionals on board." The shop features furniture, glassware, pottery, books, silver, rugs, decorative items and collectibles.

	TRR photo by Krista Gromalski Marie Amina Thiam reupholstering a chair in her shop, Etat de Siege. (Click for larger image)

A new kid on the block is Victorine's Country Gifts owned by Vicki Danno and Kathy Retz. The shop offers wooden crafts and locally created items, including jewelry and stained glass.

For a break from the shopping or a quick start to the day there is the Village Pastry Cafe offering breakfast and lunch. Set in an English cottage atmosphere, the cafe bakes its tempting goodies from scratch.

A colorful addition to the lumberyard parking lot, Wal-ker's Country Pro-duce, opened on July 4th with fruits and vegetables from Lancaster, PA; Sus-sex, NJ; Pine Island, NY and Milford. "The community has opened their arms and embraced what we're trying to do." said owner Tom Walker. After Labor Day, the stand will open only on weekends with apples, cider, pumpkins, mums, cornstalks, fresh breads and pumpkin pies.

Regarding his vision for the Lumberyard, Strub said, "I consider the project only half-finished." Future plans include landscaping of the parking lot and installation of a public sculpture. The new second floor will open this fall and provide space for about ten more shops.