New Tenants Setting Up Shop At Plaza In Vernon

VERNON, CT — Two new tenants have emerged at a Vernon commercial plaza whose owner has a reputation for having a bit of fun with his marketing tactics.

Artistic Avenue is bringing a multi-faceted business to the 500 East Plaza at 500 Talcottville Road, while Legendary Looks barber shop is moving there from its current location at 30 Lafayette Square.

Legendary looks offers traditional and designer cuts along with hot towel shaves. Award-winning barber and owner Shawn Christy has been busy transforming the place and has targeted the end of May for a grand opening.

His message board is already in the window of the shop for those who might be curious.

Artistic Avenue owner Amy Jones is renovating a space next door to Legendary Looks. She describes it as "basically art gallery and an event center that has a little bit of everything."

Everything. includes rental space for small parties, along with painting and candle-making and photography and T-shirt making.

"It will be an all-in-one-stop shop," Jones said. "We can encourage kids to be positive."

There will also be an interior design element, she said.

Jones was admittedly drawn to the plaza by one of owner Rick Konon's "name your own rent" signs. The premise is to engage in tenant-landlord dialogue and come to a fair price, Konon has said.

"This time around, I received more phone calls than I've ever had," he said. "Even some restaurants called. These two are a very good match, I think."