BREAKING NEWS
Schmidt buys Mitchells building
Local entrepreneurs Mary Jennings and Lucretia Voigt to take the reins at Mitchell's Book Corner

From left: Lucretia Voigt, Mimi Beman and Mary Jennings outside Mitchell's Book Corner Friday morning. Photo by Rob Benchley/The Independent

Nantucket entrepreneurs Mary Jennings and Lucretia Voigt have completed an agreement to operate Mitchell's Book Corner, ensuring the continuity of a Main Street business that's been a Nantucket fixture since 1968. Jennings and Voigt are experienced bookstore operators with the knowledge and understanding to make Mitchell's a continued success. Long-time owner Mimi Beman will continue to work with the new operators to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

"This is an incredible opportunity for Lucretia and me," said Mary Jennings. "Books are our passion, and to have a chance to build on such a successful and beloved bookstore is a dream come true. Mimi has created something really special, and we intend to be good stewards of this business."

"Mitchell's Book Corner is a Nantucket landmark," said Lucretia Voigt. "We feel a special responsibility to Mimi and the community to build on what has been established here. Nantucket is a place that loves books, ideas and learning. We are proud to be a part of this community and to contribute to the special character of this town."

"For the past several years I have been considering the ideal succession plan," said Mimi Beman, who has owned and operated Mitchell's since 1978. "Mary and Lucretia have the experience and the knowledge to build on what has been created here. And over the next year, I intend to provide advice and counsel to help ensure their success. It's an ideal opportunity to pass the torch to the next generation."

Wendy Schmidt, president of the Schmidt Family Foundation, established Re-Main 54 LLC to purchase the property housing Mitchell's Book Corner from Beman and will become the bookstore's landlord.

"Nantucket is fortunate to have many vibrant local businesses," said Schmidt. "Local opinion leaders have pointed out the importance of 'buying local.' They have noted that a dollar spent at a Nantucket business like Mitchell's returns about $0.45 to the island's economy and benefits the community through a multiplier effect."

"We are pleased to help make sure a successful, established business like Mitchell's has a home on Main Street where it will continue to contribute to our community and Nantucket's downtown retail environment," said Schmidt.

"Through the purchase of the property we will also have an opportunity to make necessary renovations to the building and improve its energy profile," said Schmidt. "We'd like to make this building a model for green renovations in an historic district."

Mitchell's Book Comer was opened on June 28, 1968 by Henry "Mitch" Mitchell and Mary Allen Havemeyer. Mitch decided to name the store in honor of his great aunt, Maria Mitchell, the famous Nantucket astronomer.

Mimi Beman, the Havemeyer's only daughter, has operated the bookstore at its current and only location at 54 Main Street since February 1978.

"We are grateful for Wendy's support in ensuring continuity at Mitchell's," said Jennings. "We are so appreciative of Mimi for providing us this opportunity, for advising us, and for believing in us. We are committed to serving Nantucket, and looking forward to sharing our passion for great books with friends, neighbors and visitors."