By Jessica Dillon
Starling Cards & Comics is moving to a larger, renovated building in Uptown Martinsville, giving the store more room for gaming and events while adding new apartments above.
Retail Expansion
The store, currently located at the end of Starling Avenue since 1991, was purchased by Pres Garrett on June 1, 2023. Garrett, a longtime collector, said he initially planned to buy the store’s collection, but instead ended up taking over the business.
“I talked to him for a little bit and he had mentioned to me off handedly about maybe getting out, selling the store, or what he was going to do when he retired. I had mentioned to him that whenever he was interested in doing that, I would want to make an offer on his collection,” Garrett said. “And that turned into us coming together and deciding that instead of me buying this collection, we were going to keep the store going, and he was going to be my manager, and I was going to help with the food.”
The new location will nearly double the retail space, allowing for separate areas for quieter gaming like Warhammer and louder video game tournaments. Garrett also plans to expand product offerings to include disc golf supplies and additional games like BattleTech, a futuristic version of Warhammer.
An elevator will make the building fully handicapped accessible, and Garrett hopes to open the store in Uptown by the end of May.
Apartments Above
Upstairs, the building is being converted into luxury apartments, while the basement will offer lower cost units. Apartments are designed with industrial-style features, including high ceilings, and renters will have access to storage units for furniture or seasonal items.
Monthly rent for the luxury apartments will range from $2,000 to $2,500, with one- and two-bedroom options available. Garrett said the apartments are designed for people who want a comfortable, spacious home without the responsibilities of owning a house.
“What I’m targeting are people who are moving to the area, who are a little bit older, maybe they’re taking their last big job. And they don’t necessarily want to buy a big house or have a small family, they want to be able to host Thanksgiving and Christmas and different events,” he said.
History and Community
The building has a long history. Originally, the apartment area was a shelter for divorced women in the 1920s and ’30s before being converted to residential space. Garrett said he focused on using local companies for renovations and creating a space that connects to Uptown’s growing community.
“I’m really excited to be part of this stuff where, when we have Oktoberfest and all the oyster shucking with Rooster Walk and with the Christmas parade. It’s going to be really cool to be able to just be up here and have the community walking up and down” and engaged, Garrett said.
The Uptown location places renters within walking distance of several restaurants, and Garrett said he hopes to work with local businesses to introduce tenants to the area.
