FCDC, library work to meet needs of the community

July 18, 2012

The walkway that encircles Coppes Commons as a quarter-mile stretch. Photo provided

NAPPANEE — Coppes Commons has been transforming from a historical building that needed some attention to a collection of a variety of popular businesses for shoppers to peruse, most offering tasty treats to tempt the taste-buds. And the expansions, business additions, and improvements just keep coming.
Most recently, a large renovated upstairs room dubbed The Upper Room has been made available for the public to rent for special occasions like banquets, receptions or workshops. At Countryside Shoppes Showcase, customers are invited to “Browse, Ask, Discover” Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Designed to feature shops most customers wouldn’t pass by en route to their daily activities, the showcase presently has 17 businesses with items of craftsmanship or creativity on display.
Another feature enticing those visitors that may want to work off some of the sweets they indulged in is the recent “opening” of the “Coppes Quarter” — a quarter-mile walking path around the building located on East Market St. The well-lit path can be used for a daily fitness routines, leisurely walks, window shopping, or for regularly checking the ongoing improvements.  
“The walkway is wider than the regular sidewalk,” explained Caleb Mast, son of owner Thomas. “It starts from the parking lot and you can go east all the way around.”
Thomas and his wife Linda bought the building in 2007 and the first business (the bakery) opened in 2009. The Masts won this year’s Nappanee Chamber of Commerce Pacesetter Award for their efforts.
To learn more visit www.CoppesCommons.com or find Coppes Commons’ Facebook page.