Tag Archives: community development in Eastwood

Eastwood Home

How great is it to discover a new local business (in this case a home goods and interior design services store) inspired by the Covid lockdown?  Five years ago former social worker Kimberly Sieburg spent lockdown dabbling in interior design consulting as Forged Home Decorating & Consulting.

Yes, this is a case of following one’s passion, and through a series of existential coincidences she is now the proprietor of Eastwood Home, a gorgeous modern vintage-ish furniture and home accessories shop located at 3501 James Street, Syracuse, New York 13206,  in the Eastwood Plaza.

Inside I viewed one-of-a-kind pieces that have been carefully selected/curated to create a sense of tranquility for the home.  Scented candles guided this mini journey.  The price points are surprisingly reasonable, especially with regard to the vintage trinkets.

The vignettes provided me with a satisfying stroll through the space, which was formerly the Sacred Heart Gift Shop.  Rooms to discover and imagine as one’s own – I imagine many of you have the post-Covid nesting “bug” because I’m right there with you.

There is a bedroom space,  an office, a living room and a dining room, a bath and even a kitchen sink!  The entire store is akin to a large studio apartment with bookcases purposed as walls,

Included in this journey, aside from furniture and tabletop items (new and vintage) are spices/meat rubs, honeys and other foodie lover bits.  This is the definitive place to come to for bespoke hostess gifts.

There are plans for outdoor events paired with the other businesses in the outdoor mall, and an expansion is in the mix.  Stay tuned by following them on social media or visiting their web-site.

Hours of operation:  Wednesday-Saturday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Marketplace on James

Marketplace on James is a new store at 2802 James Street in the Eastwood section of Syracuse, New York, 13206. It is the former Tip a Few bar now transformed into an artisan gallery, a tattoo parlor and a food place.

My good friends and Eastwood residents Bob and Marie Leogrande have begun a new venture making and selling their homemade pastas and sausage rolls. They use family recipes and all natural ingredients. Everything is packaged fresh and ready to eat! The Leograndes are also available for catering private parties (big and small) and will be in the store for occasional pop-up lunches!

Picking up a few of Marlene Roeder’s Zen inspired coloring books is worth the visit to Marketplace on James. They are really lovely – everyone of all ages can enjoy them because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love coloring?

Yesterday was the grand opening of Marketplace on James complete with a visit from the mayor and media coverage. There are about fifty individual vendors represented. I believe they pay a monthly fee to house their crafts under one roof.

I was there briefly and took these snapshots. It is a bit overwhelming when you first walk in because there is so much eclectic merchandise. New folk art style paintings, antique repurposed furniture, handmade jewelry and a lot of gift-type thingys are situated on different retail fixtures and tables. There didn’t seem to be a clear view of individual areas the way the space is divided at The Shoppes at Johnny Appleseeds.

But it is whimsical and fun, if you enjoy gift shopping/browsing. This place is the brainchild of owner/operator Eileen Porto. Her mission – to bring community and small businesses together under one roof.

Marketplace will be open Monday-Wednesdays 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm and Sundays noon – 6:00 pm. Vendors will replenish stock periodically, so there will always be new goods to see.

The kitchen is new/updated and will have something aromatic available daily, including free samples of products from these fabulous local vendors.

There is only street parking available – no parking lot, but there are businesses on both sides of James Street in that area with parking lots – coffee shops, restaurants, hair salons, banks, etc. If you’ve never done it, you could make a day of it and explore Eastwood! There is an adorable deck around the corner to sit and have a coffee and maybe do a photo shoot by the wall mural – and an amazing plant shoppe that will make you say – this is so cool! (Or at least, it did me, lol). Enjoy!!! (for more information, call 315-928-6724) <3