Cyber café to open in downtown Dundee

Cyber café to open in downtown Dundee
A new cyber café is coming to downtown Dundee. D&P Communications, headquartered in Petersburg, is opening the new business in the space formerly occupied by the Herb Depot on Tecumseh Street. The tentative opening date is May 1.

Dave LaRocca, president of D&P Communications, said the business will have six individual computer stations and a printer station. The computers will be IBM compatible.

Mr. LaRocca said the hourly rates have not yet been determined, but there probably will be different rates for students and senior citizens.

“We don’t expect to make a lot of money from these computer stations. We’re really just trying to have more of a presence in town,” said Mr. LaRocca. “We’re committed to Dundee and want to be part of the community.”

“We’ll also have a counter where people can come in and pay their bills or find out about our services,” he added. He said the shop will offer special package deals with bundled services.
There will be someone to help patrons set up their internet mail service, and learn to use the internet. People will be able to compare dial-up service with cable modems.

D&P Communications now offers cable television and internet access, and local phone service in the Dundee area. D&P has taken over some Verizon accounts and offers a new “823” exchange in Dundee.

In addition to the computer stations, people also will be able to bring in their computers for minor repairs; there will be a work area in the back for this purpose. There will be two printers, a laser printer and a color laser printer. There also will be a copy machine, and possibly a printer so people can print out from digital photo cards.

“We’ll have some small tables in the front where people can sit,” said Mr. LaRocca. “We’ll have coffee, chips, maybe crackers. We don’t want to compete with or take business away from other places in town.”

D&P Communications will offer six, $300 scholarships to graduating seniors at Dundee High School this year. Last year, the company offered three such scholarships. Similar scholarships are offered in every community where D&P does business, including Summerfield, Deerfield, Morenci, Britton, and Blissfield.

“In fact, if this [cyber café] is successful, we’re looking at putting one in Blissfield,” said Mr. LaRocca.

Because the cyber café is located downtown, in the National Historic District, Mr. LaRocca said they are bringing the front of the building back to the 1800’s style of architecture, as required by the village.

“It was last renovated in about 1930,” said Mr. LaRocca. “It looked old fashioned, but it wasn’t quite right.”

He said they were keeping the heavy front door, which “they don’t make anymore.” There also will be an awning put up outside, to blend in with other businesses.

The original tin ceiling will also be kept in the front half of the building, but will be painted a copper color.

As of Friday, March 26, the duct work and electrical work was all done in the building, and awaiting inspection.


Cyber café to open in downtown Dundee A new cyber café is coming to downtown Dundee. D&P Communications, headquartered in Petersburg, is opening the new business in the space formerly occupied by the Herb Depot on Tecumseh Street. The tentative opening date is May 1. Dave LaRocca, president of D&P Communications, said the business will have six individual computer stations and a printer station. The computers will be IBM compatible. Mr. LaRocca said the hourly rates have not yet been determined, but there probably will be different rates for students and senior citizens. “We don’t expect to make a lot of money from these computer stations. We’re really just trying to have more of a presence in town,” said Mr. LaRocca. “We’re committed to Dundee and want to be part of the community.” “We’ll also have a counter where people can come in and pay their bills or find out about our services,” he added. He said the shop will offer special package deals with bundled services. There will be someone to help patrons set up their internet mail service, and learn to use the internet. People will be able to compare dial-up service with cable modems. D&P Communications now offers cable television and internet access, and local phone service in the Dundee area. D&P has taken over some Verizon accounts and offers a new “823” exchange in Dundee. In addition to the computer stations, people also will be able to bring in their computers for minor repairs; there will be a work area in the back for this purpose. There will be two printers, a laser printer and a color laser printer. There also will be a copy machine, and possibly a printer so people can print out from digital photo cards. “We’ll have some small tables in the front where people can sit,” said Mr. LaRocca. “We’ll have coffee, chips, maybe crackers. We don’t want to compete with or take business away from other places in town.” D&P Communications will offer six, $300 scholarships to graduating seniors at Dundee High School this year. Last year, the company offered three such scholarships. Similar scholarships are offered in every community where D&P does business, including Summerfield, Deerfield, Morenci, Britton, and Blissfield. “In fact, if this [cyber café] is successful, we’re looking at putting one in Blissfield,” said Mr. LaRocca. Because the cyber café is located downtown, in the National Historic District, Mr. LaRocca said they are bringing the front of the building back to the 1800’s style of architecture, as required by the village. “It was last renovated in about 1930,” said Mr. LaRocca. “It looked old fashioned, but it wasn’t quite right.” He said they were keeping the heavy front door, which “they don’t make anymore.” There also will be an awning put up outside, to blend in with other businesses. The original tin ceiling will also be kept in the front half of the building, but will be painted a copper color. As of Friday, March 26, the duct work and electrical work was all done in the building, and awaiting inspection.
			Carpenter Brian Parros (left) and Dave LaRocca, president of D&P Communications (right), reviewed plans for the renovation of the new cyber café, in the building on Friday, March 26.