 Sitting in the parking lot and looking at 900 Rutter Avenue, one would lightly describe it as a red brick building that sits off the Cross Valley Expressway. Upon closer examination, it is a majestic package that, when unwrapped, reveals some of the area’s best independent companies in the fields of business & industry, beauty, and health & nutrition.
Nine hundred Rutter Avenue was purchased by David Koral about nine years ago. It serves as an outlet for the entrepreneur to release his energy and “madnesses.” Prior to purchasing the building at auction, Koral and his friend, Jason Goodman, a local artist, sat in the parking lot and created a formal drawing of Koral’s vision to help imagine its potential.
Koral hand-selected and purchased many of the furnishings and fixtures from auctions and has refurbished them to provide new life and purpose. Toni Crevo, Koral’s significant other, ties all the eclectic furnishings together. Koral attributes his success to hard work, long hours, luck, and Crevo.
EXCITE, CREATE, ENJOY. Those three words started it all, and Koral painted them on huge pieces of fabric to display in the windows facing the Cross Valley Expressway– his personal invitation to small business owners in the area, encouraging them to aspire to live out their dreams.
When entering 900 Rutter Avenue through the main entrance glass doors, one can’t help but notice the unique, iron-sculpted furniture and artwork. Next, the eye is immediately drawn to the extraordinary furnishings, antiques, vibrant fabrics, bold colors, and textures offered in the world of Wombley LLC, a store with an innovative energy about it. Sheets of metal that once protected the wooden floors are now utilized as decorative pieces, formed in shapes of clouds and polka dots, suspended from the ceiling and walls. This is a place for fun and exploration and its owner invites everyone to come in and do just that.
Nancy Medico was the first to accept his invitation. Having considered opening up her own salon, Koral’s words inspired Medico to be creative. Fittingly, she named her salon Sa-ka-ri, which means to be one’s best. The beauty and elegance of Sakari transports you into a large, city-oriented atmosphere. The exquisite light fixtures and view overlooking the Cross Valley ensure a comfortable and relaxing setting.
Bring balance to your life at Balance Yoga and Wellness. Jennifer Ciarimboli opened her yoga studio in December of 2008. The building was inspiring to her and it allowed her to be creative. The first location of the studio had an amazing energy, and, in April of 2010, Ciarimboli expanded and moved into its new location on the second floor. She admires what Koral has done with the building and has made it her personal goal to try to replicate what he has done into other aspects of the area. She challenges everyone to do the same and to improve their surroundings.
Dr. William Clearfield operates a family practice that specializes in acupuncture treatments and moved into the building in October of 2009. He was looking for a new location that would be familiar to his patients but would also be corky and fun. The space was an empty shell that was molded for his accommodations. The office space is exquisite, featuring custom-made, marble desktops throughout, and the lavatories are accented with ceramic tile.
Also in October of 2009, Halibut Blue, LLC, an advertising agency specializing in branding, advertising, and web development, owned by Chris Kuhar and Mike McLaughlin, moved into the building.
“David treats this building as a revolving piece of art,” said McLaughlin. “Just this past week, the doors on the first floor of the building were painted with chalkboard paint. You never know what to expect when you walk through those doors.”
By being at this location, it has helped Halibut Blue remain competitive within its industry by appearing to be located in a larger-city setting. Kuhar and McLaughlin have more than 30 years of combined experience, having completed 6,500 projects and winning 100 design awards. The owners measure their success by the personal satisfaction of their customers.
More recently, the building has taken on a few more new tenants. In September of 2010, Attorney Harry W. Skene made a life-changing decision and opened his own law practice. Skene provides his clients with the best legal and life-coaching services possible at a reasonable cost. He enjoys life coaching because it helps people find who they are.
What brought Skene to 900 Rutter Avenue? He attended yoga sessions at Balance Yoga and felt the energy within the building. He remembers thinking that if he was to open his own practice, it would definitely be in that building. To his amazement, looking back, that is exactly what he has done.
Entering Skene’s office, the eye is immediately drawn to a copper-painted bicycle, suspended from the ceiling between two steel beams. Not only does this bicycle serve a function of utility, but it also takes on the role of a piece of art and conversational piece. Next, the eye moves to a peaceful outdoor patio area where Skene relaxes on the iron-sculpted furniture as he writes.
Tim Hlivia, co-owner of Leverage Performance Training Studio, had a dream of opening his own fitness center for the last 15 years. In May of 2010, Leverage was in its infancy and he had just asked his good friends Juliann and Craig DeFalco to go into business with him. The co-owners explained to Koral that they were just getting started in putting their ideas and visions together. All it took was a handshake and two parties having faith and trust in each other.
Koral developed the space for Leverage and explained to the owners that when they were ready, the space would be there for them. Leverage prides itself on innovative, fun, and effective workouts that utilize the building in addition to the gym- sprints up the steel stairwell and push-ups on the landings. Clients can also indulge in “wheel-barrels” up the wooden stairways and they will soon be flipping tires in the parking lot. Bootcamps are planned for the spring, as well as workouts in the grotto.
Canteen 900, which is owned and operated by Abby Billick Singh, is the heart of the building. The restaurant opened its doors in the Fall of 2010 and offers a comfortable setting in which to relax and replenish the body with nutritious, delicious food and treats. It is centrally located in the building and links the business and industry side with the health and nutrition side.
One of the main features in the Canteen is an amazing, historic, 10-foot crystal chandelier, which Koral purchased from Travers Auction. According to Auctioneer Steve Traver, it was originally displayed in the Hotel Sterling, in Wilkes-Barre, and has since seen more than 50% of its crystals replaced and the metal has been refurbished. A humidor, which has also been placed in the Canteen, pays tribute to the history of the building- a former tobacco factory.
With UBU Clothing, Koral keeps the family tradition in the sewing and fashion industry going. His newest vision would be to pay tribute to the sewing industry by extending to Wyoming Valley residents an invitation to submit any stories or pictures they may have regarding the sewing factories within our area. The memorabilia will be framed and treated as treasures to be displayed within the building, paying homage to a lost industry.
The true treasures in the building are the people who have come to occupy this space. A wonderful community has evolved. In the same manner that all the eccentric works of art and décor tie together, so do the people and their businesses. The businesses have been strategically placed and Koral has invited vibrant, talented, friendly, inspirational, and creative individuals to join him. The building is also currently occupied by five residential tenants, including Koral’s personal residence, and 16 commercial interests. Other businesses include Scrubnuts; Maine Source; Doctor’s Diet Plan; Visiting Nurses Association; Network Solutions Group, LLC; Creative Benefits, Inc.; Borwick’s Performance Hi-Fi; and Contemporary Concepts Photography.
Got cabin fever? Go to 900 Rutter Avenue, in Forty Fort, and experience it for yourself.
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