LAKEVIEW — Months after a tanning salon fire damaged a strip of Belmont Avenue businesses, a longtime boutique owner is leaving the space behind and opening elsewhere in Lakeview.
Jina Park, owner of Never Mind, is planning to permanently move her clothing boutique to 3240 N. Clark St. in March. The original location right by the Belmont Red Line "L" stop had been around for 15 years, she said.
"I'm kind of worried," she said of the move. "But we'll have the same customers. Hopefully they remember us."
Ultimate Exposure Tanning caught fire in late September, closing down Never Mind, Chicago Bagel Authority and Milios Hair Salon. Insurance complications have delayed the reopening of all the businesses — initially until December, then until January.
CBA probably won't reopen until April, and Milios not until August, CBA owner Greg Gibbs said in an email. Until then, the bagel shop has been taking delivery orders at its Armitage location at 953 W. Armitage Ave., and Milios stylists have been taking clients by appointment at area salons.
Park couldn't wait anymore.
"It's taking longer and longer," Park said. "We had to move."
The new spot, which is occupied by Kitchen Salon & Design until March, does not have a specific opening date yet, Park said, adding it will be smaller and "cozy."
"I'm sure people will like it," she said.
