Saranac Building LLC is renovating the building at 19 W. Main where Merlyn’s Comics & Games LLC formerly operated and plans to open a marketplace there on May 1 that tentatively is being called The Saranac Commons. 

The 7,000-square-foot building will serve as a community marketplace for organic, locally owned, sustainable businesses, says Pat Coleman, building manager for Saranac. 

Black Label Brewing Co. plans to open a brewery and tap house in the Commons this summer. The tap house will serve a selection of local beers on tap, as well as beer brewed there from organically home-grown hops, says Steve Wells, co-owner of Black Label.

Jeremy Hansen, owner of Santé Restaurant & Charcuterie of Spokane, says he is negotiating with Saranac over a space in the Commons for a bakery. 

Juliet Sinisterra, former owner and general manager of Sun People Dry Goods  Co., says she will be opening a retail store selling organic bed and bath products, including organic mattresses, sheets, bedding, regionally made beauty products, and green cleaning products.

Sharo Nikfar, a local radio host, plans to open both a Mediterranean eatery and a coffee/gelato shop in the Commons, Coleman says. Meanwhile, Jim Sheehan, owner of Saranac Building LLC, plans to relocate his office to a mezzanine level, Coleman says.

Saranac Building LLC acquired the property from Merlyn’s Comics & Games in May 2013, says John Waite, owner of Merlyn’s. The comic and games retailer relocated to 15 W. Main, a few doors away from its old location.

The Commons is adjacent to The Community Building and the Saranac Building, at 35 and 25 W. Main, respectively, which also are owned by Saranac Building LLC.