By Marcus Watson
Northside News

Noahs’ Ark Pet Center will soon be leaving its longtime Northside home at 603 N. Sherman Ave. Fortunately for its many faithful customers, it’s moving just a few blocks from its current location. 

Owner Barb Brown announced she has signed a lease to move her venerable establishment to its new location at NorthGate Shopping Center on the corner of North Sherman and Aberg Avenues. A 2,490-square-foot space is being renovated for her. The location has previously been home to several restaurants and an antique mall. 

The move was prompted by a pending proposal to tear down the Noah’s Ark building, as part of a plan to construct a one-story 13,000 square foot commercial building on approximately 41,000 square feet at the northeast corner of North Sherman Avenue and Commercial Avenue. The project proposes to demolish the Noah’s Ark Pet Center, Madison Cat Clinic and Inferno buildings. The proposal, put forth by The Rifken Group, Ltd., received Maple Bluff Village Board approval in December 2014. 

We’ve been hearing about the new development since last summer,” said Brown, “and I just got tired of waiting.” Even though Noah’s Ark has yet to receive the required 90-day vacate notice, Brown decided she just couldn’t wait. “Since nothing appeared to be happening, I called my current landlord and offered to sign a one- or two-year lease, but they refused,” stated Brown. “I couldn’t live with the uncertainty, so I had no choice.” 

Brown has owned the business since 1969 and didn’t consider moving until the Rifken development was approved. “We love the store where it is and so do our customers,” she said. “It was real convenient having the Cat Care Clinic in the same building. I hope our customers follow us to our new location.”

Brown looks to open the new store May 1, with a grand opening celebration to come later. She says she’ll try to maintain service to her customers during the move. “I hope this is the last time I have to do this,” she wryly stated. “I’m getting too old for this.”