New store celebrates fashion, charitable efforts as work begins at SBNY’s downtown location

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Standing in the alley behind 831 Lincoln Ave., Lauren Franko could see past the remains of what used to be Celebrations as she talked about her vision of a new business venture, SBNY, that is expected to open later this year.

“We’re going to be a luxury ski and activewear store,” Franko said. “We’re also going to be a foundation, so we’ll do a lot of charity work.”

The building where the store will be located was built in 1975. It has been home to several stores that used to be inside the Franklin Mall. More recently, the space housed In Celebration of Kids and Celebrations, where children could play arcade games and celebrate birthdays, and parents could shop for children’s items including clothing, games and candy at several stores that were inside.

Franko said the process of renovating the space, which was 9,403 square feet, began about three months ago when she started applying for the permits. Last month heavy equipment arrived to knock down walls, remove a partial second floor and open things up for what is to come.

Much of the back half of the space toward the alley has been torn out and will be transformed into space for retail as well as a large indoor ski simulator.

The second floor will be rebuilt with higher ceilings and prime views of the Howelsen Hill Ski Area and Steamboat Resort. Franko said the plan is to use that space for special events that will be offered to charitable groups once SBNY opens for business.

“It’s going to be one big store, and in the back, we’re actually going to have an indoor ski machine,” Franko said. “I like to call it a ski treadmill, and you can go up to 35 mph. We’ll be hosting some events with that, as well as fashion shows.”

Franko, who was chief executive officer at Buss Entertainment Group, is a resident of Steamboat Springs and is joined by her sister, Lexi Swain, who is based in New York where she works in the fashion industry.

Franko said SBNY — Steamboat Springs meets New York — will offer a wide range of clothing, accessories and activewear that is both stylish and functional. But he added that SNBY is more than just a fashion brand and is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community.

The business is already reaching out to and will partner with local nonprofits and organizations to give back and make a difference. Franko said the plan is to give grants to local organizations that are making a difference.

Nonprofit organizations in Steamboat Springs are welcome to apply for the grant program, which is an ongoing initiative with no deadline. Applications can be submitted the SBNY website, sb-ny.com/sbny-foundation.

Franko said she expects the space to be completed sometime between Dec. 28 and the first few weeks of January.

“We’re over the moon to be opening our new store in Steamboat Springs and to be able to give back in this way,” Franko said. “We’re excited to support nonprofit organizations in Steamboat Springs that are doing important work to help those in need. Our grant application is an opportunity for us to contribute to making our community a better place for all. We encourage all nonprofit organizations to apply and share how we can help.”

John F. Russell is the business reporter at the Steamboat Pilot & Today. To reach him, call 970-871-4209, email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @Framp1966.

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