Robert's Florals to get Facade-lift
05/05/2011
Improvements to Robert’s Florals one in a long list of investment by forward-thinking landlords in Highland Park
The building housing Robert’s Florals is getting ready to join the list of recently renovated downtown buildings, including Highland Park Wine and Liquor, The Pomerantz Building, Quick-Check and the renovations recently begun at the site of the former Brunswick Restaurant Supply (soon to be University Compounding).
The landlords, Ravi and Rani Goomer have joined a growing list of landlords who are investing in Highland Park.
When Ravi and Rani Goomer bought the historic building at 114 Raritan Ave. in Highland Park 10 years ago, they knew they had a jewel. But ever since that purchase, the owners have wanted to spruce up the building which houses Roberts Florals. That time will come in May 2011.
“The time is right. This is a heritage building for Highland Park. I don’t want to see (the style of) the external of the building changed. I will keep everything the same, but with modern materials. The building will keep its historic look,” Ravi Goomer said.
Roberts Florals will receive new bricks, windows, carpentry, moldings and a cooper-lined roof, which will patina into a sea-green color about two years after it’s installed. A new door will be installed at the apartment attached to the building. The project is estimated to be completed in two to three weeks, Goomer said.
“We are very excited about these improvements,” said Mark Froelich of Robert’s Florals.
Once the first phase of the renovation is complete, Goomer said beginning in 2012, he’s going to have the building painted and will have a mural painted on the north side of the building.
Goomer said the façade on the building is 40 years old.
“This is one of the oldest buildings in Highland Park. It’s the only building with this type of brickwork,” he said of the scalloped tiles and edging on the building. “It stands apart.”
James McCrone, executive director of Main Street Highland Park, the non-profit that promotes the business along Raritan Avenue in the borough, said the Goomers are model landlords. “Ravi and Rani Goomer are examples of landlords who get it, and who are making an investment in Highland Park,” he said.
Goomer said he’s proud of his building. “As a landlord, pride is important. The more you look after your building, the greater the return. It’s better to maintain the building,” he said. Goomer is doing his part to maintain history. “We lose history when buildings aren’t updated. History is something in both people and buildings. People die, but buildings are here forever. We should look after the buildings we have,” he said.