Transplanting Grass Roots

Transplanting Grass Roots

The Grass Roos sign looks great in the sun after being thoroughly cleaned, after hanging in the shade collecting moss and mold all these years on Second Street.

Moving is never easy. We all have to go through it some time in our lifetime. Why we move ranges from outgrowing the space you're in to just needing a change of scenery.

Sometimes we have no choice.

The most stressful move is thrust upon you in the form of an eviction.

That is what happened to Grass Roots’ owners, Jack Wolcott and Sandy Smith, back in September 2023.

That is when a miracle happened.

Smith said, "I heard that The Shoe Hutch was closing their doors." Wolcott told her "to call them to make sure what she had heard was correct." It was. 

So Wolcott called the building owner to see if they could lease the space. The building owner gave him an enthusiastic yes! But it would take a few months to get the place ready. The new building owner offered to pay for the renovation.

The new landlord started by taking out all the old carpet and tile of The Shoe Hutch. They found asbestos under the flooring. The owner of the new building paid to have it removed and restored
the wood floors and he moved, the HVAC system, and the stairs were also upgraded. The bathroom and a new larger door was installed to make them handicap accessible.

First opened in 1971, Grass Roots moved from their old location on 227 S.W. Second St. to their new address at 251 S.W. Madison Ave. They have been at the new location since Feb. 24. But, you would think they have been there for years because of how organized the space feels. The aesthetics have that new book smell that all of us bookworms crave. The shelves are clearly labeled and brightly lit for easy reading.

“Moving is stressful but we are happy with the results,” said a worker from behind the front desk. “We still have some more work to do but the new place has more space to display the books and puzzles.”

I had to agree, having been in the old space, which was half as wide, I felt claustrophobic. The new place is a relaxing space and the layout is easy to find what genre of books you are looking for.

“The new place is about 20% less for the retail area, but no brick wall down the middle - plus we now have an incredible new mezzanine for events, book clubs, small concerts, etc. Due to our increased space we’ll be adding a larger variety of puzzles, increased Sci Fi / Fantasy, gifts, and more genre fiction and a focus on Independent Bookselling and Small Presses plus a future Gallery upstairs. 

"The hours and staffing are going to stay the same for now, we’ll be adding evening hours and extended Sunday hours. Now with the new entry and NO MORE BRICK WALL DOWN THE MIDDLE! The bottleneck has been removed so, now we can focus on the browsing experience with focused displays,” said Wolcott

Located on the sunny northside of Madison Avenue makes the walk there enjoyable. The old location was not a bad location but a change was needed both economically and logistically. The influx of new and old businesses moving more towards the heart of Corvallis has revitalized the shopping experience of all who wander the downtown streets.

“How can I help you? How do you like our new location?” they asked from behind the front desk.

“That was an easy question to answer.” said the customer they were helping. “I love it!”

Wolcott was given a new life that has been good for his health and his spirit.

Wolcott and Smith had a parade with workers, family and friends carrying boxes of books from the old location to the new location. It marked a new beginning for everyone involved.

“We are excited to get the mezzanine ready for groups to get together for poetry or book clubs to have a place to gather.” said Wolcott

“Wow, I love the new location!” said one customer as they came in the front door. That was the sentiment shared by all that walked through the front door.

Customers can come in and pick-up books they have ordered through the Grass Roots website.

“If we don’t have it in the store, we can order it for you.” said Wolcott

There are places to sit and check out the books before you buy them.

We are going to have a Grand Opening when we complete the displays, finish the mezzanine and receive our expanded inventory.

Our first "big" author event will be Chris Anderson on May 23 for his new poetry book, "Love Calls Us Here". He is a Catholic deacon, poet, and retired professor of English at OSU.

At a Glance:

Grass Roots Books and Puzzles

Address: 251 S.W. Madison Ave., Corvallis, OR 97333

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. , Sunday noon-4 p.m.

Products: You'll find the same stuff as well as books and puzzles 

Email: groot@peak.org

Phone: (541) 754-7668

Website:grassrootsbookstore.com

Social media: Instagram, Facebook,