Prospero's Book Store Exterior Restored to Former Glory

The 102-year-old historical Hibbs & Giddings building at the corner of Center and West Streets has a fresh, new paint job. 

The entire process took about one year because the historic building's mortar needed to be replaced before the paint job could begin, said Bob Chase, the general manager of Prospero's Books, a staple business in Old Town Manassas that carries used, out of print and rare books.
There are also a few apartments on the second floor, right above the store. 

" ... We wanted to restore 'The Grand Old Lady' to her former glory ..." Chase said in an email to Patch. "New antique lighting was upgraded and replaced during the upgrade. It should look even more beautiful after dark."

The interior is next to be upgraded.  Gary Belt, the owner of the bookstore and the Hibbs & Giddings Building, is planning to preserve the original architecture while making the store a little brighter and customer friendly, Chase said of Prospero's which is named after a character in Shakespeare's, "The Tempest" who was made a duke and given a small library.  

"Our financial commitment is a reaffirmation of our belief in Old Town's future and to preserve what is one of the historic buildings in our community," Chase said. 
Prospero's is also invested in the community through its sponsorship of the BATtle Rookies 7 Team. 

The store is located at 9129 Center St. and is open Monday and Tuesday noon to 6 p.m.; Wednesday-Friday 10 to 7 p.m. Saturday 10 to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 to 5 p.m. 

Prospero's isn't the only building in Old Town Manassas getting a new look. Check out what's going on at the Prescott House, just a little ways up the street.  Read: What I want for the Prescott House Is ...