Historic New Haven Building Gets New Occupant

A month ago, Fox Fort Wayne reported that the owner of a historic New Haven building had abandoned plans to rent space to an adult novelty shop. The castle- like structure will now have a new tenant and this time, neighbors are pleased. From a “Cupids Castle to “A Castle of Cuts” what a difference a month makes. “Im sorry it didnt work out for them but for me its probably been a good thing because its been given publicity which has been turned to good” says “A Castle of Cuts” owner Jill Merriman. Just over a month ago the castle-like building in New Haven was supposed to be “Cupids Castle”, an adult novelty shop. But just before it was set to open, building owner Tony Hakimzadeh changed his mind. He felt the decision to let the business into his building was something not completely thought through. So he decided not to allow the adult store to open. Now today a new business has taken over the historic castle. “I think the building has alot of flair to it, alot of style to it, and I think it would be well represented as a hair salon” says Merriman. Merriman hasnt met the neighbors yet, but is excited and ready to build strong, lasting relationships. “Tonys told me that the neighbors will probably be very glad that a salon go in rather than what was initially going to go into this location” says Merriman. Neighbor Lisa Blanton agrees. “Wed much rather have that than a porn shop any day” says Blanton. She and her husband William think a salon will see much success in the community. “We had never considered that before but I think that will work out great for our neighborhood” says Blanton. Hakimzadeh cant agree more. He says that he is just glad that he got it right the second time around. “He just wants to see a reputable good business go into his building” says Merriman “Were happy with tony; that he found a renter thats pleasable to the neighbors” says Blanton. New planted flowers outside. New paint is seen on the walls inside. But a reminder of what could have been is still plastered on the door: a sign that reads “Must be 18 or older to enter.” “Yeh, I definitely had a sign man out here and he kind of chuckled over it and the first thing he said was we need to scrape that off the window” says Merriman with a smile. “A Castle of Cuts" is set to open by the end of this month.