The Jacksonville business community is a vital part of the fabric of town and makes it unique and a contributing part of our quality of life. There are many changes happening this month—some a result of the pandemic, some a result of natural life changes and some for pure economic reasons. Below is a summation of the most recent activity.
Jacksonville Inn Changing Hands-—After 45 years, Jerry and Linda Evans announced they will be closing on the sale of their beloved Jacksonville Inn at the end of August. The new owner is a partnership led by Medford businessman Laz Ayala. In a tear-choked phone conversation, Jerry explained that it’s time for him to spend more time with Linda, whom he described as “a work widow” for 45 years! At 85, he’s looking forward to a bit of travel and hopes to run a marathon in Africa soon. Jerry will stay on for 30 days post-closing to oversee the transition and will remain as an advisor for several months afterward. Likewise, Jerry’s right hand, and Southern Oregon’s favorite Greek, Platon Mantheakis, will be leaving at the end of September.
Scheffels Toys—Linda and Bill Graham will be closing their iconic toy store, Scheffels Toys at the end of the holiday season. Located at 180 W. California Street, the 2100 sq. ft. building (plus 640sf storage) is available for lease at $3680/month or for sale at $650,000. Linda says they have been planning this voluntary retirement for 6 years and that other than traveling, they’re not making any commitments in 2022! Contact Linda at 541-261-9446 or info@scheffels.com.
Trotting Fox Boutique—A new women’s clothing boutique has opened in the lower level of the Orth Building at 150 S. Oregon Street—the historic building that houses LaFiesta Mexican Restaurant and other merchants. Opened on August 25 by Helena Lopez, who was born in The Netherlands and immigrated to the US in 1987, the shop is named “Trotting Fox Boutique.” Helena has a diverse business background including as a day spa and beauty salon owner, a dental assistant, insurance agent, and Realtor. Trotting Fox is her first foray into fashion, a venture she’s passionate about bringing to town. She will carry classy, timeless, yet trendy apparel with accessories such as handbags, belts, socks, hats and locally-made jewelry. Contact Helena at TrottingFoxBoutique@gmail.com or 858-231-6191 and see ad on page 20.
The Inn-side Story—In our feature by Peggy Dover on page 7, learn about the McCully House Inn on California Street that’s under new ownership of three partners—Kathryn Moseley, her husband, Phil Segal, and chef, Kristen Lyon, long-term resident and owner of Jefferson Farm Kitchen in Jacksonville. Plus, read about the 1916 Touvelle House on Oregon Street which was just reopened by new proprietors James Soule and Kristin Bria. See ads on page 11.
Jacksonville Company For Sale—Lorraine Akin, owner of women’s apparel store, Jacksonville Company, has listed the upscale business for sale for $125,000 + inventory. Since 1988, Lorraine’s intimate shop has offered the Rogue Valley a fine line of clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories and has become a fixture on California Street. See ad on page 29.
Bank Branch Closing—In a letter to customers, Umpqua Bank announced the pending closure of its California Street branch on November 2, leaving one bank (Chase) with a physical branch in town. The move follows the 2020 closure of the US Bank branch on California Street. Branch staff indicated that the building will likely be put up for sale but offered no other specifics.
Terra Firma Gifts to Close Retail Shop—Mark and Krissy Millner will be closing their famed Terra Firma shop by the end of the year and are seeking a tenant for the retail location at 135 W. California Street. After nearly 30 years in business, the Millner’s have decided to dedicate 100% of their energy to Terra Firma Home, one of the region’s most acclaimed interior design firms located in downtown Medford. The Home Store will be stocking some customer favorites that have been showcased for years in their Jacksonville Store. The stunning Jacksonville retail space encompasses more than 3000 sq. ft. in a historic, two-story building that includes a courtyard, upstairs deck and parking. For more information, contact Mark at 541-282-4546.