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Back outside, Pentes and McGuire watch over their kids and chitchat with the locals, all of whom seem to have accepted this alternative and artsy addition to Lansing with open arms. In fact, the group has already landed its first tenant: the New River Winery, which recently located to Lansing and plans to move its operation to the School of Rock sometime in the spring. Pentes, McGuire and the others are hoping the winery will help spur additional development, like a tasting parlor for the winery and a restaurant.
Whatever the Fort Awesome School of Rock becomes, it's hard not to get caught up with the idea and spirit of it all. At a time in their lives when many folks have formed a comfy butt-groove in the couch and the biggest projects they tackle are cutting the grass or maybe building a backyard deck, the McGuire and Pentes clans have taken on a truly unique -- and risky -- project. There's certainly no guarantee the project will take off. In fact, at various times over the years, the old school building has served as home to a craft store and condos, but they all went under. Of course, the gamble and adventure of trying to create something from nothing is part of the allure and appeal that hooked the group in the first place.
"We love this property and see its potential," said McGuire. "It's got such a history and a presence -- you can feel it. It's almost like the building has us. We're more like stewards of a unique and amazing historical entity that's going to continue to bring about great things."