HOOK 15
Goran has always wanted to own and operate an art center. "The very original idea was when I was in
high school. But you can't do much in high school. You have big dreams, but during that 5me, in the coun-
try where I came from—the ex-Yugoslavian Republic—a lot of buildings were shut down," he recalls. "So
ever since I've been working toward that. How can I fund a project like that? How much money do I need to
make? This was the right 5me for me, for this kind of adventure."
He has since spent his career working with historical buildings and the preserva5on of art and architec-
ture. He has worked with The Smithsonian and has also restored a number of post office buildings all over
greater New England. O&en5mes, his travels would take him home from his parents' house in New Jersey
to his own home in Connec5cut, and he would save 5me by travelling up 9W. During one of these semi-reg-
ular commutes, he passed through Palisades and fell in love.
"I saw that this building was available, and it called my name," he explains. "It was a very good vibe for me. I
wanted to be part of the building, part of the restora5on. And it was a chance to fulfill my desired inten5on. It
took me a while, but here we are. So far it's been a good response. I love the people, I love the community."
Goran, Founder
