BILLINGS — Businesses at the old Granny's Attic like the idea of preserving the old building at 2804 Minnesota Avenue.
Blue Bin Outlet, Yellowstone Valley Skating Center, Billings Upper Deck Baseball and two martial arts schools celebrated their grand openings on Saturday.
The Billings Upper Deck Expos practice indoors.
"We use this facility for training in the off season," said Shane Vigus, director and coach for Upper Deck's Expos AA team. "Pitching, we have our indoor cage, and then we have a little work out area, as well."
Mountain West Aikido and Chinese Kara-Ho Kempo Karate set up a dojo in the same space as Upper Deck.
"They have their half, we have ours, "Vigus said. "So it works well."
“This cool old space with the hardwood floors, it's just perfect for us," said Scott Brady, Mountain West owner. "It’s my dream dojo.”
“Lots of freedom of movement," said Jon Phillips, Sensei at the karate school. "Lots of space, there’s not a lot pillars. really high ceilings so we don’t have to worry about weapons getting caught on anything or hitting lights.”
The Montana Rescue Mission owns building.
According to a Q2 story from 2015, the building was Yegen Mercantile in 1890, Elliot's Furniture in 1928 and later the Montana Rescue Mission's Community Space.
“Just bringing new life to the place." Vigus said. "It’s a lot of fun to be part of it.”
“I just love the old ancient feel of this building," Brady said. "We study an ancient martial art and so we fit right in.”
“So many people coming and going. so many different things going on," Phillips said. "It’s nice to see it alive again.”
The 97,356 square foot building brings new opportunities.
"That’s kind of what our program is geared toward," Vigus said. "Training in the off season. If college is in their plans and their dreams, to help them get there while playing baseball.“
“Before it was just dark and cold," Brady said. "Only been here two weeks. But already you can feel a different vibe in the neighborhood.”
Aikido classes will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Karate will hold classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Upper Deck Baseball is in its fourth year.
