Torassa Building on Novato's Grant Avenue for Sale

A historic property at 806-816 Grant Avenue in Novato's Old Town is up for sale for $1,999,999.

The two buildings, combining for 7,543 square feet, were built in 1915 and 1924 by the Torassa family and still remain in the family, according to Frank Howard Allen agent Jay Larson. He said the buildings have never been on the market before. The retail spaces are leased by , the and .

The property also includes two residential units — a studio with 798 square feet and a 2,096-square-foot residence with three bedrooms, one bath, kitchen and study, parking and security gate. Larson said only members of Torassa family have lived in the residences and there has been interest in the property because of its prime location.

The family has deep roots in Novato. The Torassa family came from Genoa, Italy, and first settled in Novato in 1922. The family operated the Novato Bakery at 814 Grant Ave., according to the book “Novato Township” by May Rodgers Ungemach.

L Paradis Salon Opens in Novato

Marin native and veteran stylist Laura Mancuso has opened a full-service beauty salon at 7400 Redwood Blvd. #4. L Paradis Salon offers a full range of hair treatments such as cuts, coloring, thermal conditioning and straightening and hair extensions. The new salon will offer make-up application, permanent makeup, wedding and special occasion services, a full-time aesthetician and a full range of hair and beauty products. The salon is also planning to add a full service nail bar.

Mancuso said her goal is to provide a wide range of services to to ensure that clients do not need travel throughout the city or county for multiple beauty solutions. According to Mancuso, her full-time staff of 10-12 stylists each bring their own creativity, knowledge, strengths and flair to this new salon.

Walk-ins are welcome and appointments can be made by calling 415-892-1100.

In-N-Out Burger Still Explores Novato Location

In-N-Out Burger is still considering the 400 Enfrente Road site in Ignacio for a new eatery. Novato Patch broke the in April about the company exploring Novato for a new location. In a follow-up, Patch checked in with Carl Van Fleet, vice-president of planning and development, who said via e-mail, “Not much new to report on this end except that we are still enthusiastic about that site!  We remain very interested and are actively working on it.”

Renovation in Progress for DSW Warehouse at Vintage Oaks

A remodel of the former Ben Franklin Crafts store is well under way at the . DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse is scheduled to open in the fall. This will be the first DSW in the North Bay with the next closest location in San Francisco. Vintage Oaks' general manager, Kathy DeOchoa, said the 18,000-square-foot space might be ready as early as September. “I’ve heard that they have between 4,000 to 4,500 shoes in stock at at time,” said DeOchoa. “It’s going to be fabulous.”

Laura Bertolli Named Interim Board Chair of San Rafael Chamber

Novato resident Laura Bertolli has been named the interim board chair for the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. She replaces Gary Phillips of San Rafael, who recently stepped down as chair to focus on his mayoral campaign there. Bertolli is the corporate president of Bertolli’s Auto Body and manages the family business in San Rafael.

2011 IRS Mileage Rates Change

The IRS standard mileage rate for the final six months of 2011 was increased as a result of the recent increase in gasoline prices, according to the website of Novato accounting firm, Ghirardo, CPA. The business mileage rate to compute decductible costs is now 55.5 cents per mile effective July 1. For a listing of the rates for medical, moving and charitable mileage, click this link.

Mill Valley Business Profile: The Image Flow

Despite launching in a dismal economy, Stuart Schwartz’s three-year-old business, , has found its footing as a local photography hub for shutterbugs of all stripes. Schwartz began his business focused on in-house archival printing of digital files for display, but expansion into photography classes and workshops is building his business and the photography community in Marin. To read the full story on this unique service business, click here.

E-mail your Novato business news press releases to Tracey Ruiz.