New owner, new name: Changes are taking place at a well-known Mid City arts and antiques business. On its Facebook.com page, Circa 1857 announced that it is under new ownership, and also has a new name. Garrett Kemp, 21, closed on the deal to purchase Circa 1857 on June 3, and has changed its name to The Market at Circa 1857. In a telephone interview, Kemp says he’s worked at Circa 1857 for about two and half years before buying out the owner. Circa 1857 cost less than $50,000, says Kemp, noting that the store was never publicly on the market. “It was a wonderful opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” he says. Kemp says he intends to modernize the business, as it currently lacks a computer system; increase its social media presence; and expand its role in the Garden District community. The Market at Circa 1857 includes Yvette Marie’s Cafe and Mosaic Gardens clothing and gifts. Last week, the art gallery Rou Cou Cou Gallery closed there.
Breaking ground: Point of Care Health Group will break ground soon on its newest urgent care clinic. Construction of Patient Plus Urgent Care-Bocage will begin this week at 7353 Jefferson Hwy. in the Towne Center/Bocage area. The 3,200-square-foot clinic is slated to open in late October or early November, according to a news release. In a statement, Co-CEO and COO Vishal Vasanji says the Bocage area has been a “hotbed” for the development of new office space, apartments, housing and restaurants. “We are excited to now bring much-needed health care services to the mix; it’s always exciting for a neighborhood or community to see something new being built around the corner from where they live,” Vasanji says. Patient Plus Urgent Care-Bocage will offer a wide range of diagnostic and testing services, a play area for children and a retail space for common medical supplies. Patient Plus Urgent Care opened its first location in Mid City in late 2015.
Announcing: East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Chandler Loupe is seeking re-election in council District 3, which comprises the southeastern portion of East Baton Rouge Parish. Loupe has served as president pro tempore of the Metro Council since 2013. In a news release, he promises to fight for lower taxes and increased crime protection; protect taxpayers from fraud and abuse; and expand the economy. “During my tenure on the Metro Council, I have made a determined effort to remain accessible to the citizens of District 3, working in a cooperative manner with people from all parts of the parish to improve the basic services our city-parish government provides,” Loupe says in a statement. “This will continue to be my focus with the goal of continued protection of the Highland Road corridor.
