HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Since Rachel Sanders was a kid, she has always had her eye on a particular spot in downtown Hopkinsville. Located on the corner of East Ninth Street and South Virginia Street, what is known locally as the Tom Wade building, sticks out amongst the architecture of surrounding historic buildings. By November 2024, it will be fully transformed into The Book & Bottle Shop.
“Growing up here and driving downtown, this building has always caught my eye. It’s always been cute to me with the shaker shingles and the gables,” Sanders told Christian County Now. “I grew up reading constantly as a child, and opening a bookstore was kind of like that dream you had, like maybe someday.”
This small cottage is attached to the Clayton’s building and the long unused Princess Theater. The building was recently purchased by new owners, who will be renting the space to Sanders and collaborating with her on the renovation. The inside of the storefront has been mostly gutted, while preserving original details that makes the space unique. Sanders walked through the space admiring brick detailing, archways and framing saying, “It’s exciting to see what this space is going to become.”
A place to sink into a good book
“I just really visualize it being a cozy spot downtown with couches and chairs and tables where people can nestle in with a book and a glass in their hands, ” said Sanders when describing her vision for the shop. The Book & Bottle Shop will be half wine bar, half bookstore with specialty drinks, coffee and a cozy environment to relax and gather.
She has spent the last two years solidifying her business plan while also working her day-to-day job with Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation. Everything finally picked up speed back in January, and construction began in May. Sanders will be joining several other businesses on the corner that have created their own identity downtown like Milkweed Health and Harmony Emporium, Stella’s Soap and The Studio 3.
“For so long it was just the norm to go to the mall, or go to Clarksville for big box shops,” Sanders said. She is hoping that momentum will extend further down the street in the future as the community continues to rally around locally owned businesses. Since announcing their store this month, Sanders is overwhelmed with the positive support they have already received. If all goes according to plan, they will open their doors this November with an updated facade and interior.
“It’s going to be a long six months, but hopefully it will fly by,” Sanders said. Follow their renovation journey and get updates on The Book & Bottle Shop Facebook page.
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