Monday, November 4, 2024

Local Art Gallery Seeks ‘Justice’ from Landlord for Loss of Business

“I want the owners to acknowledge what they have done and compensate me accordingly. All I am asking of them is to waive my rent, but now, since I am logging everything, I am starting to see how the construction has made an impact on my marketing dollars,” said Rothschild.

Emerald C Gallery
Emerald C Gallery is adjacent to the Brigantine. The green fencing that surrounds the construction blocks the gallery’s storefront view.
Penny Rothschild
Penny Rothschild, owner of Emerald C Gallery and Ruby P Gallery.

Penny Rothschild, owner of two Coronado art galleries, Emerald C Gallery and Ruby P Gallery, continues to keep the doors to her gallery open, despite the loss of business stemming from her neighbor’s (Brigantine restaurant) major renovation. Rothschild explained that over the last several weeks, the green fencing that surrounds the Brigantine and spans the length of the restaurant’s parking lot, has reduced the storefront’s visibility, making it extremely difficult for foot traffic to easily find and access her gallery.

Brigantine Construction
Emerald C Gallery is located near the back of the Brigantine’s parking lot.

Emerald C Gallery is located near the back of the Brigantine’s parking lot. “I literally came into work on Monday morning and went ‘whoa!’ I didn’t receive a warning,” said Rothschild. “I knew about the renovation, as I frequently eat lunch at the Brigantine, but I had no idea the extent of the renovation or that this fence would be going up.”

“The landlord should have given me a 60 day notice, prior to the neighboring business starting construction,” said Rothschild.

“Right now, I’m lucky if 4 people come into the gallery a day,” said Rothschild. “Usually, we had 50 pass through Emerald C in the off season.”

Artwork at Emerald C Gallery
Emerald C Gallery is the largest working art gallery in San Diego County, representing 52 local artists.
Ruby P Gallery Storefront
Ruby P Gallery storefront

“Thankfully, I opened another gallery during all of this, and it’s helping bring people into Emerald C,” said Rothschild. Ruby P Gallery, Rothschild ‘s newest gallery, opened at the beginning of April and is located just a few hundred feet away from Emerald C.

Prior to the renovation, Rothschild says she hired three additional employees, filled the gallery’s calendar with activities that would draw people into Emerald C, and purchased marketing collateral to promote her gallery, all in an attempt to bring exposure to not only her businesses, but the talented artists’ work that she’s fortunate to showcase.

Ruby P Gallery Sign
Emerald C Gallery signage, as seen from Orange Avenue.

Now, with the renovation in progress, Rothschild says she has increased her marketing collateral to include signage that promotes the “open” gallery and directs customers on how to access the building. Additionally, she has discounted the price of her children’s art classes and been forced to let some of the art instructors, who were paid per diem, go.

Emerald C Gallery Restricted Storefront View
A restricted view of Emerald C Gallery

“One of the owners of the property visited the gallery and was surprised to see how difficult it is to find my business. I’m asking for justice to be done, and that my landlords will do right by me,” said Rothschild.

“I want the owners to acknowledge what they have done and compensate me accordingly. All I am asking of them is to waive my rent, but now, since I am logging everything, I am starting to see how the construction has made an impact on my marketing dollars,” said Rothschild.

eCoronado.com reporter Ruth Klamper reached out multiple times to El Cordova, LLC, the owners of the property, for comment and has not received a response as of press time.

Emerald C Gallery
Customers must now access Emerald C Gallery through the alleyway.

Rothschild says she has provided more than enough documentation to show how her business has drastically declined over the past several weeks.

“Will I get more business when the renovation is complete and the Brigantine re-opens? Yes. But, my business has been thriving and right now it’s dead,” said Rothschild.

Brigantine Coronado Perspective
Rendering of the Brigantine remodel

The Brigantine has been a staple in the local restaurant scene in Coronado. Construction is projected to take six weeks. Renovation began in mid-March and Mike Morton, Jr., President of the Brigantine restaurants, estimates the grand re-opening will take place sometime between May 1-15.

According to Morton, ”the restaurant was overdue for a remodel, as it was last renovated in 2004. We are [he is] expecting to see a 20% increase in traffic and dollars, once the remodel is complete, which will bring more exposure to surrounding businesses.” You can learn more about what the “Brig’s” renovation entails here.

Emerald C Gallery SignEmerald C Gallery opened it’s doors in October 2014 and remains open to customers, despite the nearby construction. The gallery is located at 1331 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118.



Ruth Klamper
Ruth Klamper
A graduate of Florida Southern College, Ruth has worked for ABC, CBS, and FOX affiliates, as well as the Home Shopping Network. She has traveled the world on mission trips and looks forward to planning her next adventure abroad.Have news to share? Send tips, story ideas or letters to the editor to: [email protected]

More Local News