Long Division
Once an open roost for gangs, Division Street has achieved near total turnaround with a retail strip that shows little sign of slowing down.
By Rebecca Little
From left: the
imported-tea bar at Porte Rouge; the design-minded baby gear at Grow; messenger
bags at Penelope's
WHERE TO SHOP
The merchants fear the rumors of a coming chain invasion, but for now the strip remains Gap-free. "We don't want it to turn into Armitage," says Julia Knier, owner of Public I, which carries men's and women's designer clothing and travel accessories. Penelope's, a quirky boutique, specializes in comfortable hipster duds and cute tchotchkes. Habit stocks selected pieces from new and emerging designers, 70 percent of whom are locally based. Gamma Player has a European, almost space-age, sensibility, while Bonnie & Clyde's is straight-up rock 'n' roll. Sole Babies has adorable ergonomic shoes for first walkers through young kids. Grow takes an eco-conscious approach to baby supplies in its selection of children's clothing, strollers, cribs, and highchairs. Porte Rouge is a destination for French-inspired tableware and high-end cookware. Visit Paper Doll for better-than-average stationery and cards, and oddball gift items.
Photography: Chris Lake