A corner that once sold horse-drawn buggies is now selling a different kind of buggy -- this one is designed by rock stars.

Riley David, Napa's newest children's and maternity boutique, recently opened at the corner of Main and Caymus streets.

Besides onesies and maternity wear, new parents can also buy the Rock Star Baby stroller, designed by musician Jon Bon Jovi and partners.

But the corner's commercial history dates to long before rock stars. In 1913 James H. Johnson, known as "Sewing Machine Johnson," first opened his sewing machine, buggy and bicycle shop.

Today, the historic building nears the finish of a complete renovation by local developer Jeff Doran.

Four local businesses join the list of downtown merchants who have called the corner home at one point or another, including a grocery store and most recently Ben Franklin Printing.

Johnson's was the first business to set up shop at the Main Street parcel. In honor of that early Napa merchant, Doran christened his newest development the Johnson-Doran Building, established 1913.

Doran described beginning the project.

"When we first looked at the building, it had such great historic character. We felt there was a great opportunity," said Doran.

The renovation began but quickly turned into something more meaningful for Doran.

"My love affair with this building started to build," said Doran.

"When (contractors) said 'Let's tear off the roof and the floor and the walls,' I said 'Yes, let's keep going.'"

"I was smitten with this building. We didn't want to cut its history short," he said. "We ended up going the full nine yards."

Uncovered 60 foot-long ceiling beams, original eyelid windows, new tile and playful colored awnings highlight the Mission Revival style project.

"We wanted to maintain a very strong color palette and make it fun," said Doran.

The Learning Faire

Sandy Jones is co-owner of longtime Napa toy store, the Learning Faire. Jones and business partner Lana Stanley waited nearly a year to move into their new home, after being flooded out of their Pearl Street location. They're happy to be settled in, she said.

"We absolutely love it, inside and out," said Jones. "Jeff did a wonderful job."

'We love being on the corner and having the windows. It's very light inside. It seems to have a good feeling about it. When people come in, they always mention the building and how much they like it."

A new store arrangement is also a plus, said Jones. "The layout is very different than Pearl Street. It's very open. It's easier for people to see what we have."

Little things can make a big difference for a merchant. A specially-built counter allows room for purchases and gift wrapping.

"We have everything at our fingertips; bags, bows, gift certificates ... It's a dream come true for all of us."

Jones said the nearby merchant mix is also a benefit.

"Being across the street from Shackford's is a real plus for us. There are people that (shop at) Shackford's from all over. When they come out of Shackford's, there we are. People come in, they're curious."

Being next to Riley David also works, said Jones. "We complement each other quite a bit."

Riley David

Fronting Caymus Street, shoppers will find Becky Anderson's Riley David boutique. Named after her son, this is Anderson's third downtown business. She and her husband also own Miyamo and First Squeeze on First Street.

The store's maternity and baby wear fills a void that Anderson perceived locally.

"People are loving the selection. They say there's nothing like it in Napa."

She's also happy with her new spot.

"I love it. The designer, contractors and owner did a good job with the design. Everyone that walks into the store loves it and says they feel like they are in New York or someplace else."

Anderson said the Learning Faire is a good neighbor.

"So far it's worked (out) really good. Clientele are coming into both stores."

The Vintner's Collective

Nearby Vintner's Collective has leased another Johnson-Doran retail space.

"The Vintner's Collective has always loved historical buildings, beautiful places and places with good karma, and Jeff Doran's building has all those things," said owner Garrett Murphy.

Murphy said moving business offices from the second floor of his nearby Main Street shop will make room for events at the original location.

"I love the way (Doran) has put it together," said Murphy mentioning newly installed skylights. "He restored it with love."

EndoVx

EndoVx CEO Bill Aldrich said he didn't have to think twice about moving into the Main Street corner.

"I was pretty much sold right from the start," said Aldrich.

"Jeff does everything a certain level. I don't worry about things when he's involved because I know it's going to be nice."

Aldrich currently leases space in the former Napa Labor Temple, another Doran building. Needing more room, he'll move into his new two-story office in the rear of the building.

The two-year-old company is in the development stage of a non-invasive treatment for obesity. The business has five employees. The firm signed a two-year lease, said Aldrich.

"We looked around, (but) we really like being in downtown Napa," said Aldrich.

Moving a couple blocks closer to downtown is an advantage for both employees and customers, said Aldrich.

"It's a great central location," Aldrich said.

"We have a lot of physicians and investors come in. We can walk to downtown restaurants, or go wine tasting with them."

"It's exactly what we needed."