With building back on market, Aardvark Books faces final chapter

With building back on market, Aardvark Books faces final chapterPhoto: Elaine N./Yelp
Teresa Hammerl
Published on July 20, 2018

After a reprieve, the building housing Aardvark Books at 227 Church St. (and Market) is on the market again, Curbed reports. The independent bookseller, which offers new and used books, magazines, graphic novels and ephemera, opened in 1978.

Store manager David L. confirmed the news to Hoodline via email; in January, the building was taken off the market after being listed for sale last fall. Since then, the price has lowered to $2,450,000, $350,000 less than the original asking price. 

Owen sits in the bookstore's window. | Photo: Addadada A./Yelp

Aardvark Books itself is not for sale and will close whenever the building sells, David said. Once a buyer has been found, the single story wood-frame commercial building with a large basement will be "delivered vacant at close," the listing explains.

According to the LoopNet, the rectangular building is separated into retail space in the front, with storage and office space in the rear. Built in 1907 as a movie theater, the location has also been used as a print shop.

David encouraged customers to stop by and say hello before the store closes, adding that he expects to stay in business until the beginning of next year, which gives store cat Owen more opportunities to sleep in the storefront's window.