Shedding its Mystery, the Shed Readies for Debut

What may become one of Healdsburg’s signature businesses, and buildings, The Shed is about ready for its entrance.

Under construction since last summer, on the site of the former Solem's Appliance at 25 North St. across from Le Mars Hotel, the Shed was originally supposed to open before the 2012 Holidays.

One thing and another delayed Doug Lipton and Cindy Daniel’s dream business, but ultimately nothing stood in its way.  Now non-perishable items are stacking up on the shelves, general manager Kenneth Rochford is giving informal tours, and a private opening reception is set for April 18.

Okay, but what is the Shed? It looks like a warehouse on Ecstasy, a steel-and-glass vision of ambition and function. “Think Williams-Sonoma mixed with a designer gardening store, a wine bar, and a touch of Dean & DeLuca,” said Inside Scoop blogger Carey Sweet.

Downstairs you will be able to shop for functional and fun housewares, stock up on hard-to-find local foods, have an espresso or a glass of wine (or both) with a chef-designed sandwich.

Upstairs, though, is a surprise. At this point it’s essentially a concert hall, one that’s already been put to informal use. The Healdsburg Jazz Festival has a concert there on its opening night, May 31, but there’s a good bet other events will happen first.

We’ll be keeping an even closer eye on Shed, because we suspect that’s where the action is. Or will soon be.