Love Letters of RETROWE
The idea of having a business in the heart of West Middlesex, PA began 40 years ago when I was a teenager. My father, Ron Rowe, was an entrepreneur at heart. He was a self-made man who grew up in the 1940s, was the bread-winner for our family, and kept our family financially secure. To leave a 30-year career and security at General Motors to pursue a personal dream would be irresponsible, according to him.
One day, while driving through the borough of West Middlesex on our way home to the
country, there was a “For Sale” sign on the largest brick building in the town. Passing by, my dad went on and on about how if he bought that building, he’d fix it up right, make it something grand, and have his name around town. I believe the asking price, at that time, was around $50,000 in 1980ish. Needless to say, the price tag could have been 1 million dollars. There was no way he’d leave security and risk his family’s well being for his own dream. Sitting in the back of the car that day, I thought ‘one day if he doesn’t do it, I will’. Sadly, my dad passed away suddenly at the age of 58 and didn’t get to experience his dream, or even spend his hard-earned money in retirement.
Now I’m 54. After many serendipitous events, that I can only explain as having my
father’s guidance, I purchased the building at 3 Short Street in West Middlesex.
Directly across the street from my building is the largest brick building in town!
I cried the day the sign went up on my building, RETROWE. My dad would finally have his name said all around town. Every day that I walk into Retrowe, I am reminded how blessed I am. I am blessed that I get to live and work in the same community in which I grew up. I am blessed to have so much support from the West Middlesex and Shenango Valley Community. I am blessed to have friends and family that encourage my vision.
Lastly, I am blessed and thankful to share my story with you.
I love you, forever, Dad!
- Angie Rowe Chlpka, Founder
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Building
Retrowe is located at 3 Short Street in West Middlesex, PA. Originally, the building was the old Huntington Bank and a large addition was added in 2016. The building still has the old bank safe and safety deposit boxes (decoration only). The building boasts large windows, industrial beams, polished cement floors and walls. The industrial structure lends itself to a very modern and eclectic style that is unmatched anywhere.
Patio
A large interior garage door opens up to the spacious covered patio that features a firepit and courtyard area. Equipped with outdoor speakers, this is the perfect setting for enjoying drinks and music on a warm summers evening.