Queenie’s Pets, a forthcoming pet care store which is taking over the former Keswick Music Works location at 363 N Easton Road in Glenside, announced in August that construction had begun.
The first phase included a new roof and new windows. Founder and CEO Adina Silberstein, a resident of Mt. Airy, purchased the property in July 2022 and says “Phase 2” is coming soon.
“The roof is done, and as beautiful as roofs can be, it’s beautiful. It gives us the perfect foundation,” she said. “The windows are next on the list, and then the demo of the interior should be starting within the next couple of weeks.”
According to Silberstein, the building needed a full demo, from the walls to the floors to the ceilings.
“Everything’s coming out so we can start with a fresh clean slate. The building’s in horrible disrepair. One of my passions is building restoration, so bringing it back to its deserved glory is necessary,” she said. “I want to bring it back to life. After that’s all done, they’ll rewire everything to code, plumbing, the HVAC, then we begin the design phase.”
Silberstein kicks off the building’s demo
Silberstein said a DIY dog wash will live on the first floor, which will open ahead of the second-floor wellness center, kitchen and bathroom. The rest of the floor’s rooms will turn into classrooms slash care rooms.
All told, the second-floor will offer K9 massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care, a pet grief support group, puppy classes, a rentable cozy room, and more.
Silberstein said she chose Glenside for her business’ second location (the original exists in Mt. Airy) more than eight years ago. She was waiting until the right fit came along.
“I’m excited because I feel like Keswick Village is a close-knit community. It’s a bit of a pet supply desert in that area, and data show that when a pet-oriented business comes in, other nearby businesses benefit,” she said. “People who shop small for their pets tend to shop small in other ways, too. We’re excited to fill that empty space.”
The shop will offer a variety of pet supplies, gift baskets, health and wellness products, and member services including weekday dog walking, pet sitting, and more. Queenie’s Pets specializes in dogs, cats, small animals, and birds.
Pet care services, at least initially, will not be expanded beyond the current service areas (Wyndmoor, Laverock and Erdenheim).
When the shop is ready to start hiring, Silberstein said the community will be notified.
“We’re experiential and we only hire people who have years of experience in the industry, or are highly trainable,” Silberstein said.
For more information about Queenie’s Pets, you can visit their website. We will be in touch as we hear of an expected opening date.
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Photos: Adina Silberstein