In the summer of 2000, Stosh
Kowalchuk and his friends gutted the old laundromat at 908 E. Johnson and, in a
floor-to-ceiling remodel, created a fresh new space for Stosh's colorful
coffeehouse, Speed Jump. They removed three layers of false ceilings to reveal
the original pressed tin, and managed to piece together enough to cover about
3/4 of the old storefront's ceiling in authentic style.
A new dropped ceiling was
built over the bar area. Old terrazzo was ripped out, the floor was leveled
with about fifty jack posts in the basement, and shiny multi-colored vinyl put
in place. Stosh built a cylindrical kiosk for posting signs and messages to
make the room truly a neighborhood meeting place. He brought muralist Tom
Reichenberger Jr. from Milwaukee to finish the space with what he believes were
Madison's first permanent graffiti-style murals. Vintage 70s furniture
completes the comfortable, eclectic room.
Stosh's decor and the murals
are enough reason to visit, and his congenial personality and Speed Jump's
tasty coffees and bakery attract a regular stream of customers throughout the
day. There's space for reading, studying, and chatting, and you can even go on
line at the store computer, conveniently available for customers' use on a
chrome-and-plastic 50s kitchen table.
Most Thursday nights, live
music is offered by Wooden Toe, a fine young bluegrass band from Green Bay.
Wednesday nights feature James Travis and his guests. James is a
singer/songwriter Stosh describes as a cross between James Taylor and Johnny
Cash. Every third Thursday the music stops long enough for a program of poetry
reading. Speed Jump's custom roasted coffees are from Johnson Bros. Roasters,
and scones by Elegant Bakery exceed coffeehouse expectations.
Fancy coffee drinks,
espressos, and lattes can be made to order, but those who prefer a plain cup of
black decaf (like me) won't feel too out-of-place in this eclectic, sociable
neighborhood spot. Stosh Kowalchuk and his friends have truly created something
from less-than-nothing in this innovative venture, and the Paterson-Johnson
area is much the better for their hard work and dedication.
Stosh wants to thank building owner John Wright for his support, saying "without his good-hearted
tolerance we wouldn't be able to have
made it." And we want to thank Speed Jump for the good energy (not
only caffeine-fueled) they add to
the neighborhood. Check them out next time you're in our little business
district.
-Mary
Pulliam