By Anna Yoder | Columnist

“Coming through the Northside since he was a baby” to visit relatives in Fineview, Jason Farahi is not new to the area. In 2008 following college graduation, he found himself living on the Northside to embark on his career and has been on the Northside ever since.

Lauren Bradley who hails from Zelienople and is Jason’s partner said they were inspired by the “olden times” and wanted to start a business and “live above [it] as the shopkeepers.” Jason describes the Northside as a neighborhood that “has not lost its sense of self,” maintains its “grittiness,” is “not commercial” and “stands out from the crowd of the city.” It is for these reasons and more that he and Lauren decided to build their business here. With hard work and perseverance, those dreams came true!

In 2015, Jason and Lauren purchased and renovated a three-story 1860’s era building on East Ohio Street. They breathed new life into this historic building and in April 2018, opened “Annex” — a high-quality clothing and gift store. And yes, they also lived above the business.

Lauren is credited with coming up with the store’s name — Annex — based in part from the annexation of Allegheny City by Pittsburgh combined with their philosophy that they wanted to “add to the neighborhood.” (As you read on, you will learn that Jason and Lauren’s desire to “add to the neighborhood” also came true).

Check out the July issue of The Northside Chronicle for the full story.