Closing of Monroe Salt Works Called 'A Sign of the Times'

Continuing a season of change for the East Arlington business district known as Capitol Square, Monroe Salt Works – a fixture on the corner of Lake Street and Mass Ave for a dozen years – closed its doors on April 24.

Owner Karen Atta Burke said a proposed rent increase, coupled with declining sales meant the shop couldn't continue in its current location. She expressed hope of finding another Arlington location for her store but said she is also looking in Cambridge and Belmont.

"When we heard there was a new tenant for the space, we knew it was time to move on," she said. "Our clientele and mix of merchandise in that store was outstanding. It's heart wrenching to me but it's a sign of the times."

Loyal customers stopped by to share happy memories of the store and offer support, Atta Burke said. "People came in to tell us about other spaces to rent." Some expressed regret that they didn't know the store was in trouble, she said. "Unfortunately, now it's too late."

The shop, beloved by many Arlingtonians for its salt glazed stoneware and eclectic selection of gifts, jewelry, textiles and toys, still maintains two locations: a retail shop in Boston's Copley Place and an outlet store in Freeport, Maine.

According to Atta Burke, her former Mass Ave location will be taken over by Comella's Homemade Italian Foods, a family-owned chain of Italian style eateries with five greater Boston locations.  Its menu includes a selection of pastas in marinara sauce, entrees, sandwiches and desserts with prices ranging from seven to 12 dollars per dish.

Local residents expressed sorrow about the closing of Monroe Salt Works and some reservations about the new tenant.

"Monroe Salt Works was there as long as I've lived in Arlington," said Marci Shapiro Ide, a parent and homeowner on Lake Street. "It's a loss for the neighborhood."

Others question the desirability of another Italian style take-out restaurant in town. "How many corner pizza places do we need? There seems to be one on every corner," said Greg Frost. "I would have been happier to see a restaurant or café with a healthy menu of fresh, seasonal options," he added.

The closing of Monroe Salt Works follows the loss of Tall Tree Guild, a popular furniture design and home accessories shop on Mass Ave that closed suddenly this year after the death of one of its owners. The clothing shop Artwear has since moved into their space but Artwear's former retail location remains empty. 

The closing of retail shops in the neighborhood is no surprise to Bob Sargent, chef/owner of Flora Restaurant and a Board member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

"As a business person, this closing isn't good for anyone. Frankly, I'm mystified how many of these retail shops have been able to make it. I love Arlington but its not a real walking neighborhood," Sargent said.

Sargent said he has hopes of expanding on his success at Flora by opening a café style eatery in the neighborhood featuring a menu of healthy sandwiches, salads and even live music. High rents, however, have put this out of reach for now, he says. "It's a great neighborhood but rents are pretty aggressive here."

In the meantime, Flora plans to reintroduce a Sunday brunch menu this summer to offset a slowing of business since the recession.

Despite tough economic times and the loss of neighboring businesses, Sargent remains optimistic about Arlington and its future. "There are lots of great people behind the scenes here who are working to make the town more vibrant."