The Mark condominium project and the Lemon Avenue streetscape has been the largest and one of most difficult to work through for nearby businesses, including Artisans' World Marketplace. "We owe a lot to First Church, our landlord and partner these 23 years, and to all of you who have bravely made the difficult trip through all the construction to shop in our store.," says owner Sandy Ramsey. "We have come to a point where we can see the horizon." One of the last things to be done is a new sidewalk outside the fairtrade boutique. The new sidewalk on Lemon and Pineapple Ave. are under construction as of Monday, October 28, and Artisans' plans to be open regular business hours during this time, with access from its back door. "While the process has been difficult, we believe this revitalization will bring new life to an often forgotten area of downtown," says Ramsey.

Artisans' World Marketplace, 128 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-365-5994, artisansworldmarketplace.com