There's a makeover happening on Kirk Avenue in downtown Roanoke.

A lineup of three buildings, from 16 Kirk Ave. to 26 Kirk Ave., is being renovated for office space, apartments or retail locations. Most of these spaces formerly housed retailers, including Seasons & Occasions Catering, Urban Cottage, a furniture store, and a beauty salon, Tangles. These businesses have moved or shut down.

Ed Walker, a local businessman involved in downtown rehabilitation, owns several of these spaces.

Already, a law firm, Whitlow & Young Attorneys, has moved into a renovated location at 26 Kirk Ave.

Other spots lining that street are in the midst of being prepared for offices and living quarters, including two 900-square-foot apartments, Walker said.

Got your goblin get-up?

Here's a last-minute alternative if you're trying to scare up a costume for Halloween this week.

Fun Times Rentals & Productions, a party store at 1409 S. Colorado St. in Salem, recently added a year-round costume department to its selection of party favors, game rentals, decorations and related supplies. There are costumes and accessories suitable for Halloween. Costumes for other occasions, such as Santa suits and theatrical get-ups, also are available. Purchase prices for most full costumes average $40 to $50, said Judy Slomczewski, co-owner of the retailer.

More changes at Crossroads

Dollar Duz It, a discount store at Crossroads Mall in Roanoke, recently closed. John Thomas, a leasing agent for the mall, said there are no tenants lined up yet to take the discount store's place permanently. Gold's Gym will open a temporary fitness center there next month.

Crossroads has been transformed into an office complex in the past several years. Advance Auto Parts expanded its corporate headquarters at the mall. And earlier this year, Pete's Deli closed there to make way for Small Smiles, a dental clinic for children enrolled in the state's health insurance programs.

New addresses for photo studios

Two local photography studios are moving to new locations.

Muncy Fine Photography has moved from a home office on Woods Avenue in Southwest Roanoke to 511 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Roanoke. Bruce Muncy has operated the business for 23 years, and his son, Brian, recently joined him.

Michael Vest Photography is opening a studio on the lower level of Valley View Mall. It also has a location on Clarke Avenue in Southwest Roanoke.

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News this week from the Storefront blog at blogs.roanoke.com/storefront/.

More retailers are offering free shipping to lure early holiday shoppers.

Roanoke's Ukrop's Super Market is featured in Progressive Grocer's October issue.

Several Web sites, including Valley View Mall's, offer searches tailored to individual shopping preferences.