The other day we meandered down a few roads in town that are … shall we say … off the beaten path.
When I buy shoes, which is thankfully a rare occasion, I often splurge. So I was delighted when a shoe repair shop opened in our town. Nothing is worse than throwing away an expensive pair of shoes just because the soles are wearing thin.
Across the street from the adorable shoe repair shop is this abandoned building. I really don’t know that much about Phairs or why it has remained empty for over twenty years. Haunted perhaps?
Also across from the shoe repair shop is San Pablo creek. Although it’s protected by a chain link fence, it looks like someone’s been getting down there. The dream of many people in town is to revitalize this and other creeks which have been neglected for too long.
On the same block is a shop selling antiques. I can’t give my grandmother’s fancy china away so I don’t see how these shops survive.
Lastly here is a seldom used door leading to a mostly abandoned parking lot behind Phairs. Hopefully this block will get some love soon.
Check out other doors at Dan Anton’s place.
Saying nothing in particular 
Beautiful photos. I like how normal this town looks. I’m laughing at your line: “I can’t give my grandmother’s fancy china away so I don’t see how these shops survive.” Ditto here. I don’t use the fancy stuff but I enjoy having it around.
Thanks Ally. There’s a freeway that splits the business section of town into “north of the freeway” and “south of the freeway.” Both sections have had their struggles over the years..I sure hope the shoe repair shop survives.
Everyone needs a good shoe repair shop! These doors reflect the town well.
I agree! It would be ideal if the town had its own bakery too but so many folks are on the low carb diet that it wouldn’t have a chance!
I hope they can find some tenant(s) for the big abandoned building. It looks like a nice area. We haven’t had a shoe repair shop around here fro several years. I miss having one.
There are development companies that would like to turn both north of and south of into multi-story retail shopping/dining/office complexes as they have both easy access to a major freeway and BART but the townspeople are determined to keep the small town vibe, warts and all.
I hope they find a way to do something before it falls into total disrepair.
Is this Orinda, California?
Yes it is.
I love the bathroom window and the idea that the Phairs Mercantile building could be haunted. I think antique shops survive because they have huge markups on what they buy at auctions.
About the antique shops – that makes sense. Thanks Hugh.
This was a fun walk with you, Jan, I enjoyed being off the beaten path. Thanks for showing us some of the scenes and sharing some of the stories. Real estate is such a hot commodity in this area that a large, abandoned building is not something we often see, which is why I like it when you can find one.
Thanks Jet. There are a number of shops in town that are currently empty. Small town retail stores really have it rough. And the situation is often not helped by small town politics – from what I’ve heard!
Nice doors. 🙏🏻
Hi Jan, interesting doors. I also splurge on shoes from time to time.
This is interesting. What town is this I wonder? It’s Phair to say it doesn’t really matter.
Love that bit of graffiti, Thank Jan!
It’s my small town – Orinda.