Pilates Studio, Interior Decorator Among Possible Reuses of Children's Bookshop Space

The new owner of commercial space in downtown Wenham that was once home to has received interest from a Pilates studio and interior decorator about moving in.

In June, . Owner Patricia Purdy said just in the prior year sales had dropped off, mostly in part because of an increase in Internet shopping. In comments on Hamilton-Wenham Patch, more than a dozen users said how much they loved the shop and the special attention they got from Purdy and the other employees.

Last month, David A. Cutter of Essex bought the property at 162 Main St. and is now renovating it. He has gutted the inside and reroofed it. He also plans to sealcoat the parking lot and install a new sign.

“Right now I am opening up the space to everyone can see it,” he said in an interview last week. “I will build it to suit for a tenant.”

To date, he has received inquiries from a Pilates studio and interior decorator that both are interested in the space. Cutter said no leases have yet been signed.

Cutter said , , Cicoria Tree Service and would all remain in their current spaces.

“It’s a great location,” Cutter said.

He has not even advertised the space for rent and the inquiries so far have come via word-of-mouth. In general, he is looking to lease it to a "low-impact use” such as an interior decorator.

Cutter, who grew up in Hamilton, says he typically renovates a building when he buys it. Cutter bought the commercial building at 225 Main St. in Wenham about three years ago and renovated it. He also recently bought 54 Railroad Ave. in downtown Hamilton. He plans no major work there, at this time, and the existing tenants, including and , will remain. Cutter said he has hired an architect to design a new façade.

“I plan on really dressing that building up,” noting the work will not happen this year. “It’s really not that exciting to look at.”