In March this year, the Lismore App reported that Harris Cycles was moving premises after being in Keen Street for 103 years.

The new owners, Michelle Mitchell and Robert Menin purchased the property in October 2020 and have just completed their renovations of the old building, apart from a few minor cosmetic touchups. Michelle is the Principal of LJ Hookers Real Estate Agents and Robert is the Manager.

The transformation from old and historic to modern and contemporary is more obvious when you look at the before and after photos.

Michelle and Robert retained some of the history of the building by using the 120-year-old floorboards to make the entrance platforms.

"We wanted to retain some of the history rather than demolish everything and start completely fresh,' Michelle said, "This building has so much character and such a long history in Keen Street, it was important to keep part of it. Unfortunately, a lot of the floorboards had rotted so needed to be replaced."

"Our goal was to create a clean, clear, fresh space."

The old door that divides the work area from the kitchen and delivery area at the rear of the building has also been kept. This door has flood level markings dating back to the massive 1974 flood.

With the threat of flood still ever-present, Michelle and Robert decided to incorporate design and functionality in the meeting room with cross black metal rods. In case of a flood, the furniture can be placed onto the rods quickly.

The delivery area at the rear of the building backs onto the Back Alley Gallery is waiting to be painted by a group of eight children from different schools who have been taught by Becky Davis. COVID and lockdown has put the project on hold for the last two months but Michelle is hoping the winners will come into town this week to complete the artwork.

"We had a number of graffiti artists that wanted to do it but I wanted to showcase our youth, " Michelle said. "They can do whatever they want, basically. It is totally up to them."

While the renovation is impressive, the fact that all local tradesmen were used and the products used were sourced locally has kept the money in town. In fact, a lot of the trades are now being used on the new Metropole renovation across the road in Keen Street.

There will be a 'grand opening' when restrictions ease and Michelle and Robert can get a few people in to celebrate the new office space for LJ Hooker Lismore.

For now, say g'day to Julie Cameron the Director of First Impressions and Jordan Tabbara Business Systems Operator when you walk through the front door.