SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Two unique local shops on the same block are sharing some common ground.
When it comes to quaint, Café Madeleine has captured the corner.
"I think it's very classy. It's not the American version of French, it's really authentic and cozy," Christine Perez said.
From its sidewalk seating to its French-flaired fare, Café Madeleine would be as much at home on the Champs-Elysees as it is on 30th Street.
"We want to do something that was really community-based. People could come in and have a cup of coffee and a conversation," Perez said.
"It's really like European food for me, because I'm from Germany," a patron said.
The authentic menu and urban vibe are a big part of this block's second coming.
Just across the street, a totally refurbished classic is no stranger to progress. For the past two years, Bruce and Christy Jaynes have operated a small furniture boutique and gift shop there called Progress.
"This building inspired this shop that is here today. We would not be doing this if it weren't for this building. When they restored it, they really saved a gem," Christy said.
Progress is immersed in urbanization, right down to its book section on inner city agriculture.
"Even in the smallest yard, you can have your own little farm," Christy said.
They too are intimately mingled in the area's rebirth.
"We do a lot of baby gifts. We have a real large selection of letterpress cards," Christy said.
The 2200 block of 30th Street is a microcosm of how to revitalize the urban core by re-gifting its most precious possessions.
Cafe Madeleine
2248 30th Street
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 544-1735
Progress
2225 30th Street
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 280-5501