The Cardologist, a long-time downtown business known for its selection of socks as much as cards and gifts, is facing the prospect of having to relocate again for the third time in just over three years. Owner Doug Mayol says his landlord has given him notice that his lease will not be renewed when it expires on Sept. 30.
Seth and Ivy Molen own the building at 627 E. Adams that currently houses The Cardologist. The Molens, who specialize in historic renovation through their company Brick City Apartments, have been involved in a number of projects, primarily in the Aristocracy Hill neighborhood just south of downtown. The Springfield Historic Sites Commission and SBJ recognized their efforts with a Springfield Preservation Award in 2018.
Owner Doug Mayol operated The Cardologist from 225 S. Sixth St. for 25 years until the J.P. Morgan trust that owned the property notified him that the building was for sale and his month-to-month lease would not be renewed. After a move on short notice over Memorial Day weekend in 2016, Mayol reopened at his current location, next to Recycled Records. He says the move ultimately proved beneficial in many ways from a sales standpoint, including doubling his available space. However, a leaking roof and other maintenance issues led the original landlord to ask him to leave so that repairs could be made to the building.
Earlier this year, representatives from The Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation and Downtown Springfield, Inc. met with the building owners and made an introduction to Seth and Ivy Molen, who ultimately purchased the property. In April, Ivy Molen told SBJ the plan was to replace the roof as soon as possible so that The Cardologist would be able to stay put.
However, when reached today for follow up, she said, “Plans for the renovation have not changed. However, now that some light construction and demolition has commenced it is clear that it will be far too disruptive both to our process and to Doug’s to carry on while the both of us occupy the space. We hope for the best for The Cardologist, and we are certain that Doug will find his place while we renovate this building.”
Mayol said while he understands that the next phase of construction may render his business inoperable, he’s concerned about being able to find a suitable alternative on short notice.
“I know what’s available downtown, and there’s nothing this big at this (amount of) money,” he said, explaining that he realizes he may need to be able to consolidate his operations into less than the 2,000 square feet he currently occupies. “Anything I can afford would probably be a lot less space.”
In the meantime, he is publicizing his plight in the hopes of finding out about other options. “Time’s a’ wasting and I have to find a new spot.”
