Have you walked by the old laundromat on the 900 block of East Johnson Street the last few months and wondered if it would ever be occupied again? Well, never fear, on March 1 a new coffeehouse/cybercafe will open up.

Melanie Tower, the new proprietor, said that she has enjoyed the eclectic mix of the East Johnson street businesses for many years and when she saw that empty spot, she jumped at it. She has experience in the hospitality industry as a chef in Delaware.

Ancora organic coffee, organic tea and cocoa, sandwiches, soups, vegetarian chili and baked goods will be available for your eating pleasure. Melanie also plans on selling jewelry, art glass, handmade candles, and Indian crafts.

A wide variety of activities are also being planned, including poetry slams, acoustic music, board games, and a paperback exchange. There will be three public computer terminals available.

Current work in progress includes stripping the maple floors and restoring the original tin ceiling. Tentative hours for the store are 6:30 a.m. to midnight seven days a week.

A "Name the Coffeehouse" contest is being run until January 15 with entries available at Cork 'n Bottle and other neighborhood stores. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting new addition to Johnson Street.

-Bob Shaw