Posted: April 7, 2009

Although Shorewood has lost Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop, another book store could open in the village.

According to an announcement today, resident Keith Schmitz and other community members are exploring options to open a new book store. Schwartz closed March 31.

Options for the new store include running it as a cooperative, which would involve community members investing in the store.

"It would be like the Green Bay Packer model," Schmitz said.

Lisa Zupke, who had managed the Shorewood Schwartz store, could serve as manager of the new establishment.

Tentative plans call for the new store being a quarter to a third the size of the Schwartz store at 4093 N. Oakland Ave., which is 12,000 square feet. Schmitz stated it would include space for a coffee shop."

Schmitz stated the group will be working with the Shorewood Business Improvement District to find suitable space for the new shop and will be approaching staff at Village Hall for support.

The group is planning an organizational meeting the week of April 20. For information, e-mail Schmitz at keithschmitz@krpr.info or call (414) 963-0847.

Prior to closing last week, Schwartz had four locations. Managers reopened the Mequon and Milwaukee stores under separate ownership.