The long-vacant space at 2625 N. Downer Ave., probably best known for its years as home to The Coffee Trader and Henry’s, is being sold. The current owners are in the process of signing a contract with prospective buyers The Lighthouse Development Company.

Daniel Katz, along with John Crichton and Thomas Hauck, purchased the building after Coffee Trader closed in 1998.

Lighthouse Development is exploring retail and restaurant options to fill the space, which has been entirely vacant since the Bartolotta Restaurant Group’s second Pizzeria Piccola location closed its doors in April 2004.

Following the demise of the pizzeria, Bartolotta announced plans to open another Ristorante Bartolotta in the same space. According to Lighthouse Development, Joe Bartolotta continues to move forward with the restaurant plans.

Hopes run high among Downer Avenue merchants and shoppers that this prominent and long-dormant space will come alive once again.