ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Retired professional baseball pitcher Ernest (Bo) Donaldson has opened the doors to Spin Off Laundry in north Philadelphia, reports Maytag Commercial Laundry.
The Laundromat is part of Donaldson’s “long-term revitalization plan,” Maytag says, to help restore his childhood neighborhood.
Formerly a defunct Laundromat, the 22,000-square-foot building has been rehabbed to include an 8,500-square-foot coin store complete with Maytag Commercial Laundry washers and dryers, and a 1,200-square-foot lounge area for store patrons, featuring coffee and soda machines.
“I’m really proud of the store,” says Donaldson, who spent eight seasons pitching in the minor leagues. “We have a winning combination—a viable business opportunity to help support the community, high-efficiency equipment and an incredibly supportive distributor, Equipment Marketers.”
“I have high expectations for the store and its positive impact on the neighborhood,” he adds.
Also featured in the store is a sports mural illustrating Donaldson’s baseball career. He has a variety of plans for the store, including hosting kid-friendly movie nights via a screen projector on a large wall within the coin store, as well as the addition of massage chairs.
“I opened the store to help people in the community understand their potential. I want to be an example to the community’s residents and inspire them to make a difference,” says Donaldson. “This area and its residents can thrive; I want to help provide the tools to do just that.”
Maytag says Donaldson has a second Spin Off Laundry in the works.
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