S train will not stop at Bank of Richmond building

Months ago Subway, the global fast-food chain, offered Mark Howe $2.50 per square foot for part of the first floor in his restored Bank of Richmond building at West Richmond and Washington. But the custom wooden windows, briquetage and the grand copper cone just wouldn't go with a plastic Subway sign.

Instead, Howe offered a local business a sweet deal: $1.50 per square foot--and they took it. Their new establishment will occupy the entire first floor with something no one would have guessed and that should complement the cone. Details, and the story, when the final document has been taken to the bank.

Howe says opening day should come in the second half of this year.

Oh, one more thing. Even though Subway won't stop at Howe's building, it might stop down the street. Watch for details.

• "New gem in town" about the Bank of Richmond building
• Subway "18,360 restaurants in 72 countries!"