shermanmills

A Whole New World

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 11:36:43 GMT

A Whole New World

Summer is almost upon us, and with it, what feels like the beginning of a whole new world. It has been a whirlwind of a spring for us, and we are so excited to share some of the new projects we’ve embarked on with our sister group, Mark Lane Properties!

In December of 2020, we opened our original crafter’s marketplace, The York Merchant, on the first floor of our sister property, New York Wire Works, in York, PA. The 10,000 square foot marketplace is currently home to over 100 makers and their handcrafted products. The York Merchant also has a dedicated gallery space for local artists to showcase their work.

Earlier this year, The Wireworks Exchange also opened inside New York Wire Works. The Wireworks Exchange is a premium flea market operated by The York Merchant team and currently houses hundreds of preloved treasures to explore from many vendors.

We have begun leasing studio space to artists and entrepreneurs within the rest of the 215,000 square foot New York Wire Works complex well. We currently have expansive full floor leasing availabilities along with smaller custom built spaces and office suites. We are currently in the process of adding a food court to our lobby, which will offer a wide variety of food and beverages to our tenants and guests!

We are also working on major developments in our sister property, Midway Arts, in Coatesville, PA. We recently constructed a brand new entrance, which will be available for use soon. We also are in the process of renovating our lobby area, and have added new chandelier lighting throughout the space. Our brand new elevator is also in the works, and we are hard at work on renovating our top floor so that we can welcome even more individuals to this creative community!

Our sister commercial property, The Olympian, in Philadelphia, is filled with local businesses and artists, and we currently have large scale storage opportunities available within this building as well.

We are looking forward to sharing even more exciting developments with you as we enter this new season. See you next month!

A New Kind Of Marketplace Is Coming

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 19:22:24 GMT

A New Kind Of Marketplace Is Coming

We are happy to share this blog post from Mark Lane Properties featuring our sister property in York, PA!

We are so excited to be kicking off 2021 early with the unveiling of a new kind of marketplace inside our newly renovated New York Wire Works building. Provided there are no state restrictions to prevent such opening, The York Merchant will officially open its doors to the public on December 11th, 2020!

The York Merchant will feature local artisans, craftsmen, and makers of all kinds. Unlike traditional markets, The York Merchant will be renting booth space to vendors, and will be taking care of virtually all of their business needs — from marketing and selling their products, to handling the paperwork and accounting. The vendor simply has to maintain the inventory.

The York Merchant is co-managed by George and Trudi Zimmerman. George is also the owner and founder of CREATIONS, by George, where he specializes in industrial/urban decor custom work, and restoration. George and Trudi have been immersed in the artisan marketplace realm since 2016, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with them on this significant project!

Being involved in many marketplaces throughout the years, George began to see a need for a more streamlined, easy process for vendors. Instead of needing to always be on the move and constantly spending money on various booths, canopies, and marketing for each individual show, he realized how much easier it would be for a vendor to simply rent booth space, fill it with their products, and let the rest be handled for them. At The York Merchant, everything will be taken care of for the vendor, making it a place where they can lay roots, feel stable and secure, and pursue their creative passions more freely.

The York Merchant consists of 10,000 square feet of space on the first floor of the New York Wire Works building, right in the heart of downtown York, PA. We will be turning the rest of the 215,000 square foot complex into a mix of artist, retail, and commercial spaces, and have already begun leasing these other areas as well.

The York Merchant is always accepting new vendor requests! Please visit www.theyorkmerchant.com to learn more, or reach out to us directly at anytime with any questions you may have. We are so excited to be able to launch this important venture that supports local artists and entrepreneurs while providing a new creative outlet for the York community to be involved with.

The Great Outdoors

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 18:51:09 GMT

The Great Outdoors

As we get used to a more cautious way of living, it is important to remember that there are ways to still treat yourself while staying safe and protected! We are happy to share the newest blog post from our sister restaurant, In Riva, which focuses on one of those important ways - outdoor dining!

"As we settle into a new “normal” way of living, we have a new level of appreciation for things that we may not have noticed as much before the world shifted. For us at In Riva, our outdoor patio has taken on new, important meaning. No longer is it simply a place to dine with ambiance, it is now a safe haven, allowing people to enjoy a meal not just surrounded by beauty, but most importantly, by comfort and security.

Outdoor seating with tables spaced at least 6 feet apart is one of the safer ways that you can enjoy a meal outside of your home. Here at In Riva, we’ve made sure to provide the most secure environment for you to dine with friends or family by following the recommended CDC guidelines. All staff will be wearing masks and gloves during service. All high traffic areas of the restaurant will be disinfected every half hour, and hand sanitizer is available throughout the restaurant for guest use. Guests will be required to use a face covering to pass through the restaurant to the patio, or to use the rest rooms. We will also be utilizing disposable menus, and disinfecting tables and chairs in between guests.

Whenever you are ready for a meal in the great outdoors, we are here to make it the best, and safest one yet!"

www.in-riva.com

Community Convo - Smaller is Better

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 18:20:05 GMT

Community Convo - Smaller is Better

As states continue to navigate this period of re-opening, we are all learning that slow and steady will help us to win the race. Safety is paramount, and smaller is better in terms of events and gatherings. Philadelphia has just announced that there will be no large-scale events until at least February 2021, and while this may be sad news for some, the good news is that this is only temporary, and there are still many ways to celebrate big events in a fun, safe, and small way!

First thing’s first - we suggest embracing the warm weather while it’s here! Anything that can be done outside, do it! It’s not only easier to social distance outdoors, but it’s also much safer since the air is more easily dispersed. Large gatherings are still not ideal, even outdoors, so keep things small, and take advantage of more focused one-on-one time with friends and family. Before we know it, it’ll be back to large parties where at the end of the night you say, “Wow I barely got a chance to talk to…” so make sure you get those opportunities in now!

Sure, events like the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Mummer’s Parade are iconic, but we want to consider the upsides of missing these for this one year… first, like we said before, it’s just temporary! Don’t have the mindset that you’ll never get to enjoy these parades again. It’s only this year, and there are other fun ways to enjoy these holidays. We suggest taking the mindset of getting to enjoy them snuggled up with your loved ones all warm and cozy at home. There will likely be a virtual celebration on television, so break out the hot chocolate and fluffy blankets, and get cozy with your family to enjoy the festivities together on your couch!

Don’t forget, the most important part of events is being able to celebrate them with the people you love. So wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, hold on tight to the most important part of any celebration - your loved ones!

Community Convo - Small Business Grants

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 16:01:31 GMT

Community Convo - Small Business Grants

With many businesses beginning to reopen, increasing operating expenses are also on the horizon. Luckily, another opportunity for financial assistance is on its way. The Department of Community and Economic Development will be allocating $225 million for COVID-19 related relief to small businesses across the state of Pennsylvania. Beginning July 1st, applications for these grants of up to $50,000 will be available, and in preparation, we’d like to share more about this program with our fellow small businesses today.

These small business grants will be used for eligible businesses to cover operating expenses during the shutdown, and for expenses associated with the process of re-opening and stabilizing the business, including technical assistance, training, and guidance. The funds will be distributed in three ways:

$100 million for the Main Street Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the state order to close non-life-sustaining businesses and that will incur costs adapting to new business operations due to COVID-19.

$100 million for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the state order to close non-life-sustaining businesses, that will incur costs adapting to new business operations due to COVID-19, and in which socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51 percent interest and also control management and daily business operations.

$25 million for the Loan Payment Deferment and Loss Reserve Program, which will allow the Community Development Financial Institutions the opportunity to offer forbearance and payment relief for existing portfolio businesses that are struggling because of COVID-19, as well as bolster the financial position of the CDFIs that are experiencing significant increased defaults in their existing loan portfolios.

House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody explained the importance of this program when he said, “Small businesses bore the brunt of the economic impacts of the pandemic. This investment is a good first step toward their recovery and the recovery of communities across the commonwealth.”

Applications will be available July 1st through the following Community Development Financial Institutions:

Progress Fund, Bridgeway Capital, Northside Fund, Metro Action, Rising Tide, ASSETS, Community First Fund, Reinvestment Fund, PIDC Community Capital, Impact Loan Fund, Beech Capital, West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution, Enterprise Center Capital, Neighborhood Progress Fund, Entrepreneur Works, Women’s Opportunities, Resource Center, and United Bank.

Some of these institutions also allow you to enter your email so that you are first to receive updates regarding the application. We encourage you to reach out to your local organization to learn more about this important relief opportunity.

References:

Gov. Wolf Announces $225 Million Grant Program for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance

Community Convo - Yellow

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 12:34:47 GMT

Community Convo - Yellow

Last week, the state of Pennsylvania moved into a new chapter as we proceeded into “Yellow Phase.” As many businesses begin to re-open, we wanted to take some time to go through what being in “Yellow” means, and what we can all expect as we embark upon this new horizon.

Below are the official guidelines regarding work and socializing under the “Yellow Phase” according to Governor Wolf’s website:

WORK GUIDELINES

Telework Must Continue Where Feasible

Businesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Business and Building Safety Orders

Child Care May Open Complying with Guidance

Congregate Care and Prison Restrictions in Place

Schools may provide in-person instruction only in accordance with Department of Education guidance.

SOCIAL GUIDELINES

Stay at Home Order Lifted for Aggressive Mitigation

Large Gatherings of More Than 25 Prohibited

In-Person Retail Allowable, Curbside and Delivery Preferable

Indoor Recreation, Health and Wellness Facilities and Personal Care Services (such as gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons and other entities that provide massage therapy), and all Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters) Remain Closed

Restaurants and Bars May Open Outdoor Dining, in Addition to Carry-Out and Delivery (effective 6/5/2020)

Businesses will continue to follow CDC and DOH guidance for social distancing and cleaning protocols, and the government will continue to monitor for increased risk, such as any future outbreak. If in two weeks there has been no sign of increased risk, we will proceed onto the “Green Phase.”

In what has been a physical year, and especially, past week, for the entire world, having this moment of positive growth is some much needed movement in a hopeful direction. We look forward to continued steps towards fully restoring our communities and collective well-being.

Source:

Process to Reopen Pennsylvania (photo courtesy of governor.pa.gov)

Community Convo - Kindness Makes The World Go Round

Sat, 23 May 2020 13:20:44 GMT

Community Convo - Kindness Makes The World Go Round

One of the very first things we are taught in our lives is the concept of being kind. As toddlers, we’re shown the value of sharing, holding hands, and giving hugs and kisses to others. Throughout our childhood years, we take part in events that benefit others, like bake sales and charity drives. In high school, we learn the value of service, and how to give back to communities and organizations that need help. Today, we are in a situation that demands that we remember these important values, and put them to good use. Things may feel at a standstill, but we know that kindness is what ultimately makes the world go round.

One of the things that we suggest doing to spread kindness during this time is by taking more photos of your loved ones. Having more time with our immediate family means having the opportunity to capture more precious moments. Normally, our days are filled to the brim with so much going on that it’s hard to even think about whipping out your camera to snap a shot. Now, we suggest being hyper aware of the goofy faces your kids make, the hugs and cuddles that you witness your loved one giving to your four legged family members, or the time together on the couch that deserves a snuggly selfie. Capture it all because one day, you’ll look back on these moments and forget the pandemic, and only remember the love.

Physical affection is one of the cornerstones of what it means to be human, and it is also one of the most basic ways to show kindness to others. Whether it be holding someone’s hand, patting someone on the back, or a full on tight embrace, being physically close is a way of being kind without even realizing it. We all crave affection, and getting to be able to indulge in that is so important, especially during stressful times like these. So the next time you see your loved one feeling dark, go and give them the tightest hug you can to help them see the light.

Community Convo - Navigating Your New Office

Fri, 15 May 2020 15:41:16 GMT

Community Convo - Navigating Your New Office

Over the past couple of months, we have all had to adjust to a new type of normal. Social distancing has given us a new set of guidelines for how we operate through our daily lives, and for many people, along with that new normal comes a new office space - your house. Working from home used to be an occasional treat - being able to review your morning emails from your couch, or taking a conference call snuggled up in your warmest PJs… but when everyday becomes a treat, it’s easy to fall into some laziness traps along the way! Today, we want to provide you with some tips to help you navigate your new office and avoid any potential pitfalls of this new normal.

First, we recommend setting some boundaries for yourself. Don’t worry, we’re not going to tell you to throw away your PJs, but we are going to suggest swapping your couch for a desk. Staying comfortable is important, but it’s easy to fall so deep into relaxation mode that it can be hard to keep your brain stimulated! Having a separate, designated work space helps to keep your brain in work mode while you’re working from home. Save the couch for your lunch breaks instead!

When it comes to breaks, take them! Don’t keep yourself tied to your desk all day long - it’s important to have mental breaks to rejuvenate your mental drive and creativity. It’s easy to get lost in the job without the same sense of structure that comes with going into the actual office, but it’s important to give yourself some type of schedule that allows for some down time. Your new day may not be the typical 9-5 anymore, but that doesn’t mean you need to go without any type of structured timeline.

These days more than ever, most of us are tied to our phones. They are our ways to communicate, our forms of downtime, and a welcome distraction from the chaos around us. However, when it comes time to sit dow for work, we suggest turning your phones off, or at least silent. Without some feeling of being seen like you are when you’re at the office, the possibility of distraction is incredibly high at home. Any ring, buzz, or social media notification can take your focus off of the task at hand and take you deep into a rabbit hole of scrolling through posts or getting caught filtering through your junk emails. We suggest breaking out the phone during your breaks, and only during your breaks, to help increase your productivity and attention to your work.

What tips do you find to be the most effective when you’re working from home?

Community Convo - Playing With Plants

Fri, 08 May 2020 18:16:45 GMT

Community Convo - Playing With Plants

Along with the many things that Covid-19 has brought to our lives is a broken meat supply chain, and recent shortages of meat all across the country. While some may look at this and feel frustration, we are looking at this as another opportunity to focus on our health and wellness by expanding our plant based repertoire. It’s no secret that a plant based diet provides numerous health benefits, not to mention all of the creative and delicious meals that can be put together with these simple, wholesome ingredients. We’re taking playing with plants to a whole new level!

A lot of people tend to think vegetarians and vegans only eat salad. And while there are tons of delicious meals that are indeed salads, there are also way more other options, hot and cold alike, to satisfy even the most discerning of tastebuds. We’re lucky enough to have a sister restaurant, In Riva, whose plant based menu items are some of the most popular options among vegetarians and meat eaters alike!

Their silky Pea Soup is one of the highlights of their whole menu. It is typically poured table side, and paired with roasted garlic and parmesan to really amp up the creaminess. Their Mushroom & Zucchini pizza is another customer favorite, and topped with truffle oil to make those earthy, umami flavors truly pop.

Live too far away for takeout or delivery? No problem! There are tons of recipes online to get you started on making your own plant based meals. A simple pizza crust makes it super easy to get creative with your toppings. No zucchini? Try caramelized onions! No mushrooms? Try roasted artichokes! It’s so easy to turn these earthy ingredients into savory, out of this world culinary experiences. And there’s no better opportunity to start playing with plants than right now. Let us know what you come up with!

Reference:

In Riva

Community Convo - Make Any Day A Monday

Fri, 01 May 2020 16:34:22 GMT

Community Convo - Make Any Day A Monday

When it comes to setting game plans and goals for ourselves, our favorite thing we tend to say is, “I’ll start it on Monday.” Whether it be embarking on a new diet or workout plan, vowing to stop watching so much tv, or finally working on that new guided meditation you’ve had downloaded since New Year’s… starting on Monday, the beginning of a new week with a fresh clean slate, seems to be “Day One” of choice for all new adventures.

But what if you started… tomorrow? Or, right now? What if you didn’t give yourself the rest of the weekend to come up with more excuses about putting off your new journey? What if you did the craziest thing and started on Friday at 4:37pm? What if you made any day a Monday, and got started on those goals every day? With more time spent at home these days, for many people there are more opportunities to take advantage of working on our personal goals, and no reason to wait till Monday to get going. So we challenge you to start your adventure now, make your Day One today, and reach your goals even that much faster.

Community Convo - Self Care

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:34:04 GMT

Community Convo - Self Care

The concept of social distancing tends to be associated with a negative connotation nowadays. Of course, humans are naturally pack animals and crave closeness and connection, so this is to be expected. However, there are times when being by ourselves, and actually focusing on ourselves, can truly be good for the soul. Today, we want to explore the many benefits of being alone and how that can provide us with abundant opportunities to internally refresh and recharge.

Self care is an integral part of any wellness regime. Whether it be your daily exercise, a nightly bath, or reading a good book before bed, there are so many ways to enjoy “you time” while waiting for the chaos out in the world to settle. Anything you can do to get those feel good hormones going, DO IT! Treat yourself to a delicious meal (for takeout or delivery, of course) and take your time savoring each and every bite. Add some lavender bubbles to your next bath to increase your melatonin and sense of calm. Spend a few minutes (or hours!) each day snuggling with your pets to increase your serotonin levels and feel-good vibes. Take a walk outside and relish the fresh air and just being in nature… Whatever makes you happy, relaxed, and eases some of the daily stress you are facing, just do it! Now is the most important time to treat yourself to the fullest, and take care of your physical and mental well-being.

This period of time of forced isolation won’t last forever, and we’re all looking forward to the day when we can finally hug our family and friends. But until that time comes, hug yourself. Take care of yourself. Love yourself.

Community Convo - Staying Connected

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 13:43:49 GMT

Community Convo - Staying Connected

It’s been a few weeks now that we’ve been keeping our distance from each other, and many of us find ourselves doing everything, including working, from home. Being physically separated may not be our preferred way of doing business, but we are so lucky to live in an age where staying connected, despite staying apart, is easier than ever.

For businesses everywhere, the importance of face to face contact with co-workers is essential. Connecting with each other on a more personal level helps promote positivity, ease stress, boost work morale, and enhance motivation. Whether you choose to FaceTime, conduct meetings through Zoom, or use Google Hangouts, the opportunity to get face to face company wide is right at your fingertips!

Meeting up virtually doesn’t have to be restricted to just business. What about getting together for an online coffee or lunch break? Or a virtual happy hour? Enjoying relaxing, stress-free moments with co-workers is just as crucial as the serious ones, especially during a period like what we’re going through now. Being able to relate to each other and let our walls down with each other promotes an even stronger bond, and is likely to develop even deeper once we’re able to interact in person again. We truly believe that a strong team makes for a stronger organization as a whole, and experiencing this new “normal” together will make us all come out stronger, and more connected, at the end.

Community Convo - The Power of Humanity

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 12:45:19 GMT

Community Convo - The Power of Humanity

With each day seemingly more chaotic than the next, it’s important to focus on any positivity we can find. Fortunately for us, we have been able to witness glimmers of light during this period which have highlighted that even during the darkest of times, the power of humanity will always shine the brightest.

This week, In Riva joined the “Feed the Front Line” force and donated 15 pizzas to doctors, nurses, and staff at Bryn Mawr Hospital and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The individuals at these, and at every other medical facility worldwide, are fighting on the front line day in and day out. They constantly put others before themselves to help save lives.

Any source of comfort that the front line can experience these days is priceless. Being able to provide even an ounce of that is more meaningful than most can imagine. It doesn’t take much for us all to be able to contribute to those who are braving the face of COVID-19, and ultimately who are helping the rest of us feel a sense of security amidst the chaos. The Philadelphia Inquirer has put together a list of organizations in the Philadelphia area that are in need of donations, as well as where to drop them off. Check it out for yourself to see how you can help fight the fight and witness first hand the power of YOUR humanity!

Here are the items hospitals need most right now, and how you can donate

Community Convo - Get Stimulated

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 17:11:11 GMT

Community Convo - Get Stimulated

Late last week, the $2 Trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Package was released. Included are stimulus payments for individuals and families, as well as specific loan programs that the government is enacting to help stabilize the economy and ensure that there are no lapses in our rent and mortgage payments, food, medical, and other personal expenses. We know that this is an uncertain time for us all, so we’d like to share some of the ways that these programs can help us all to feel a little more secure.

The first commercial loan program offered in the stimulus package is the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), which allows small business owners to apply for an advance of up to $10,000, with the goal to provide economic relief to businesses that are experiencing loss of revenue due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Funds are expected to be available within three days of successfully applying, and do not have to be repaid if used towards rent, payroll, and utilities. The link to apply for the EIDL loan is https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

The second commercial loan that is offered is the Paycheck Protection Program. This loan guarantees an amount of 2.5 times your average monthly payroll, and if that money is used to pay your employees, rent, and utilities, it becomes a grant - the amount of the loan that is used specifically towards payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities would be forgiven. This plan is retroactive till February 15, 2020 to help bring any employees who may have been laid off back onto your payroll.

These forgivable loans are available immediately through local lenders, so the sooner you apply through your bank, the faster you can start receiving assistance. It is recommended to use your current bank that you have a previously established relationship with for the easiest and most expedient way to get funding.

For individuals and families, a one time stimulus payment is included in the new package. A payment of $1200 will go to individuals with a gross income of $75,000 or less. Married couples with a gross income of $150,000 or less will get $2400. For every qualifying child age 16 or under, the payment will be an additional $500. The payment amount decreases with higher incomes, and any individual making $99,000 and above, or married couples making $198,000 and above, will not get a stimulus payment. These payments are based on the individual's 2019 tax return and are expected to be direct deposited into most bank accounts within three weeks.

We understand that the past few weeks have been difficult and mentally exhausting. Between isolating ourselves, worrying about our families and careers, and feeling uncertain about the state of the world, it is indeed an overwhelming period of time for us all. We hope that the release of this stimulus package helps you to feel your own sense of stimulation, and find a little bit of hope and peace while we continue to weather the storm.

Sources:

F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Plan

Community Convo - Financial Security

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 13:03:09 GMT

Community Convo - Financial Security

During this tenuous time in our world and economy, many businesses are understandably facing unexpected struggles. We wanted to share with you some ways in which the City of Philadelphia, the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, and the federal government are trying to help small businesses thrive.

The US Small Business Administration offers a type of loan called the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan. According to their website, under this program, “the SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small business and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus.” The program provides working capital funding of up to $2 million to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue businesses are facing in the wake of the virus. Find more information here:

https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

The City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce is aimed to help businesses thrive in Philadelphia. They help small businesses find access to funding, and have several programs in place to help business owners support their companies, including the Kiva program, which gives businesses access to zero percent interest loans through crowd funding. Discover more on the department’s website:

https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-commerce/

For businesses in Chester County, the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce is helping to make navigating this tumultuous time a little bit easier by providing this website with links to numerous business resources, programs, official reports, and other information for small businesses in the community.

http://www.westernchestercounty.com/emergency-response/

Small businesses have a more urgent need for relief, so the Institute for Local Self Reliance has put together this valuable resource filled with tips and ideas for what small companies can do to generate business during this period of time:

https://ilsr.org/covid-19-pandemic-what-small-businesses-can-do/

For businesses in Chester and Delaware Counties, SCORE is offering free online counseling and seminars for entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also offer low cost business workshops to help owners successfully grow their companies. These services are also great opportunities to think about future business planning.

https://chesterdelco.score.org/

We are also awaiting details of the federal stimulus package which should be released shortly. While this is certainly a time of financial concern for many, we hope that these resources will help to ease the burden in any way possible, and assist you in thinking positively about the future of your business.

Community Convo - First Thing's First: Safety

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 16:09:07 GMT

Community Convo - First Thing's First: Safety

It’s impossible to ignore the new reality that the world is currently facing. Social distancing, isolation, and loneliness are just a few of the ways to describe what most individuals are experiencing day in and day out. But we wanted to change the name of the game with an ongoing conversation to reassure you that despite the distance, you are not alone. We are all in this together. At times it’s hard to believe that, especially considering the extreme measures we are all taking to lessen any interaction, but we are all facing the same challenges and fears. We are a community, despite the physical distance, and we intend to bridge the gap with our newest blog series, “Community Convo,” to help instill a sense of togetherness in what can currently feel like a very isolated world.

Our first priority in this new way of living is safety. Basic guidelines of self care and preventative measures will go a long way towards protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and the rest of the world from infection. The CDC says that the best way to prevent illness is by avoiding exposure. This is done by thorough hand washing (at least 20 seconds), using hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) frequently, and by avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands (easier said than done, right? We’ve all been there…) They also recommend to disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, and to cover any coughs or sneezes with a tissue - basic things we probably should be doing on a regular basis, and now likely will become habitual practice going forward! (Are your hands as dry as ours now?? Lotion, lotion, lotion!)

Social distancing is the next tool of choice for preventing the spread of COVID19. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breaths. Staying at least 6 feet away from each other can help to combat this, as the droplets typically won’t fall outside that range. But because humans are creatures of comfort, this tends to be the hardest part of all the safety procedures. We are pack animals - we crave closeness and community. However, prevention is key when it comes to combatting the spread, and it’s up to us to now change the trajectory. By following these basic guidelines of self care and prevention, we are doing our part to get the world back to how we once knew it, and we will be one step closer to feeling like part of a true community again! For more detailed information on how to protect yourself and others, please visit the CDC website at www.cdc.go v.

References:

The CDC Website, Coronavirus Disease 2019: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

The Sweet Indoors

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 16:41:19 GMT

The Sweet Indoors

During these unsettling times, we are embracing all the positivity we can get our hands on! We are happy to share the newest blog post from our sister restaurant, In Riva, which focuses on all the good that can come from staying inside!

Like the rest of the world, we are heeding all of the advice when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19, and urging people to stay indoors until further notice. And like the rest of the world, we can understand the fear of going stir crazy! However, we’re choosing to look at the positive side of staying home, and embracing the sweet indoors for all its worth.

One of the things we’re looking forward to is the opportunity to pursue activities that we don’t normally get a chance to, whether it’s because of lack of time or lack of energy by the time we get home from a busy work day. Whether you decide to dust off those piano keys and learn to play your favorite song, or break out a puzzle and turn off the phone and television screens for awhile, there are lots of opportunities to explore activities that normally get pushed to the side during your day to day living.

What we’re looking most forward to is doing these activities as a family. Being home, whether you’re with your significant other, your children, your parents, or your pets, is a chance to relish the time spent with those that you love. We’re so used to getting out and doing something special to celebrate being with loved ones, but staying in and celebrating these relationships is just as important and every bit as rewarding.

Until further notice, In Riva and Foghorn will be open for takeout and delivery only. We hope to be able to help make your time inside a little easier by allowing you to still enjoy your favorite meals while in the comfort of your own home!

Time to Celebrate

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:55:15 GMT

Time to Celebrate

Join our sister community, Midway Arts, on March 12th from 4:30pm - 6:30pm as they celebrate the official inauguration of their creative community in Coatesville! Enjoy light refreshments and snacks, and toast to a year of growth and success!

We are excited to repost the newest blog entry from Mark Lane Properties to share more about this special event! We hope to see you there!

Big things are underway for our community at Midway Arts in Coatesville! This March, we will be celebrating over a year of progress and growth with our official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The ceremony is co-hosted by the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, whom we have partnered with to help drive the development and revitalization of Coatesville.

Last January when we initially opened our doors, our Vice President, Lade Udis, said, “One of the first things that struck us in our initial talks with community members was the immediate approval and eagerness they held for change in their city,” and that he and our President, Mark Sherman, were, “happy to say that we are not here to sit and wait, we are here to act now.” And act now, they did. One year later, we have 21 diverse tenants with a wide array of businesses including a yoga studio, a graphic design center, a tattoo studio, a full gym, a photography studio, and much more!

Coatesville has been the perfect place for us to set roots because of the strong proactive relationship between city government and investors to produce change. Organizations like 2nd Century Alliance and the Chester County Department of Community Development offer numerous resources to support developers like us in our projects. Being backed by our local community gives us even more motivation to continue to expand our network of artists and business owners, and in turn help the entire surrounding area flourish. We’re so excited to be able to celebrate this symbiotic relationship this March with our official inauguration ceremony, and we hope to see you there!

The Power of Community

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 20:38:58 GMT

The Power of Community

We are excited to share this blog post from Mark Lane Properties featuring our sister property, "Midway Arts" in Coatesville, PA! We believe having a sense of community should always be a priority, so to see how Midway Arts is able to harness the power of community and use it to ultimately affect its surrounding city is truly remarkable!

Early 2020 marks significant growth in our creative community of Midway Arts as we have reached over 20 tenants in just under a year of leasing! The purpose of creating our complex here was to cater to entrepreneurs and artists who were looking for the perfect environment to allow their talents to flourish, while being surrounded by like-minded individuals. And a year later, we are well on our way to sharing that mission with many individuals whose visions align with ours.

The city of Coatesville is currently in the process of a major resurgence, and the early success of Midway Arts certainly helps to encourage this revitalization effort. People have embraced being part of a dynamic community that has a symbiotic relationship with each other, as well as with the area around us. Our tenants currently showcase this in various ways — to name just a couple, Sarah York of Elemental Yoga has a Friday night “pay whatever you want” class that provides the surrounding community with the opportunity to practice yoga within their own budget. Tabathe Wallace of Creation Cottage focuses her wellness work on being community based over profit, and is currently developing programs to help further that mission including low cost programs, scholarships, support groups and women’s groups that will cater to the surrounding Coatesville community.

Midway Arts and our eclectic group of individuals have set the stage for introducing myriad artists and businesses to the Coatesville community, and we are hoping to pave the way for even more potential developers to join the revitalization effort and turn vacant and underutilized properties into more avenues of growth for this burgeoning city. The power of community is proving to be stronger than ever, and we look forward to witnessing even more growing relationships as Midway Arts and the city of Coatesville continue to thrive!

Pizza And Puppies

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 19:06:51 GMT

Pizza and Puppies

In honor of the upcoming "Super Pup Sunday" event at our sister restaurant, In Riva, we are excited to share their most recent blog post!

If there’s one thing we love as much as pizza, it’s our pets (and everyone else’s!) We love having our customers bring their furry family members to our outdoor patio areas to enjoy a meal together, and we believe that being with our pets is more than just passing the time - it’s good for our souls and just makes us better human beings.

These are just some of the reasons why it tears us apart to see animals that have been hurt or neglected. And unfortunately, this is a reality that happens day in and day out. We’re so grateful for our local shelters that provide for these animals in need, and for the individuals who spend their lives fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves.

This is why we’re super excited to announce our first ever Super Pup Sunday! We are partnering with Saved Me Animal Rescue, a local non profit organization that is focused on saving dogs and cats from shelters that are forced to euthanize due to limited amount of space. They provide quality medical care, shelter, food, and a safe and healthy environment for their rescues. Earlier this year, they hit over 10,000 adoptions!

On Super Bowl Sunday, before the big game, we invite you and your family to come join us for brunch, where you will have the opportunity to meet some of Saved Me’s adoptable animals! 10% of all proceeds for the day will go towards Saved Me to help them in their mission of saving animals in need. We look forward to doing our part to fight for these innocent lives, and help unite them with a family who will love them, cherish them, and let us hang out with them every once in awhile when they come to In Riva for dinner!

Learn more about Super Pup Sunday and make your reservations here !

New Year, Renewed Drive

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 15:07:55 GMT

New Year, Renewed Drive

2020, We're Ready For You

The end of a year is always an important time to reflect upon. Here at Sherman Mills, we value embracing not only the highs of the past year, but also the areas in which we can find opportunities for growth. What motivates us when it comes to celebrating a new year is the chance at becoming even better versions of ourselves, and continuing to perfect how we infuse our passions into the world around us.

Part of the excitement of starting a whole new year is the idea of starting "fresh," with a clean slate, and getting to sweep all your past subpar moments under the rug. However, we value those subpar moments! Sure, they're never fun to deal with in the moment, but those less than ideal experiences are where all those important growth moments get to happen. So this new year, we won't have a new drive, we will simply have a renewed drive. We are motivated by everything in the past, good and bad, to have an even better and more exciting year to come. We've got lots of juicy projects in the works, and can't wait to take all that we've learned in the past, and apply it to the year ahead! And more than anything, we look forward to sharing it all with our community of individuals who share that same passion for growth that we do.

We wish you and yours a very happy new year, and look forward to sharing with you all the excitement that 2020 brings!

What Does Community Mean To Us?

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:08:01 GMT

The Many Layers of Community

When we use the word, “community,” we don’t use it lightly. To us, that word encompasses more than just a group of people living and working within the same section of square footage. We believe community is a sense of being, a sense of purpose, and most importantly, a vehicle for individual and mutual growth.

When we use the word, “community,” we don’t use it lightly. To us, that word encompasses more than just a group of people living and working within the same section of square footage. We believe community is a sense of being, a sense of purpose, and most importantly, a vehicle for individual and mutual growth.

Here at Sherman Mills, we believe who we are is made up of the unique people that conduct business and reside within our complex. We are a group of motivated individuals who value hard work, and who appreciate doing that work alongside others who have the same personal and professional passions. We believe that mutual passion to reach our individual goals drives all of us to have a symbiotic relationship with one another. That relationship is what differentiates us from being just a building, to becoming a true family.

This connection with each other is what we consider to be the true meaning of community. Sherman Mills is always open to welcoming new members and we get excited every time we have the opportunity to form new relationships and grow alongside one another. We are currently leasing various types of office spaces and loft style apartments, and look forward to welcoming new individuals into our burgeoning community.