Lori Hedtler, owner of Devonia Antiques for Dining, is seen in the recently reopened shop at 5 Charles St.
More than 14 months after it was displaced by the fire at DeLuca’s Market, Devonia Antiques for Dining has reopened at 15 Charles St. and is commemorating the occasion with a cocktail reception this Thursday.
“We were an established business for 16 years so after being out of business for more than a year, it’s a rebuilding process,” shop owner Lori Hedtler said. “The space is exactly the same, which is why we’re surprised we couldn’t open sooner.”
Hedtler expected to reopen soon after the blaze on July 9, 2010, but when the process took longer than expected, she focused her attention on improving the business’ online presence.
She hired the services of the Chestnut Street firm Mystic River Media, which offered her a special “neighbor’s” rate in light of the circumstances and helped launch Devonia’s revamped Web site earlier this year.
Hedtler found another local ally in John Gorman of the Newgrange Consulting Group, a firm located at 43 Charles St. that she said helps temporarily shuttered buildings reopen by navigating the city’s permitting process.
“Through his help working with the mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services and [Inspectional Services Department], we were able to obtain a temporary occupancy permit through September,” Hedtler said. “We’re now making significant progress in getting the building ready for permanent occupancy.”
Meanwhile, Hedtler expect business to be brisk in the coming months.
“As we enter the holiday and entertaining season…it’s our busiest time of the year,” Hedtler said. “This is when the shop flourishes, so I’m just thrilled.”
Devonia Antiques for Dining at 15 Charles St. will hold a cocktail reception on Thursday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information on the business, visit www.devonia-antiques.com.