Grimm Tattoo reopens in the West Bottoms after a fire destroyed its Westport shop

For more than 40 years, Grimm Tattoo has made its home in Westport. But after a fire in April broke out in the building next door — destroying their furniture, equipment and flash designs — owner Wes Grimm decided it was time to move the tattoo shop and museum.
The West Bottoms has been booming in recent years after decades of being widely viewed by the public as a development dead zone.

The American Royal Complex, Hy-Vee Arena, Stockyards Brewing Co. and Lemonad(e) Park have helped transform the area from an abandoned relic of industrialization into a thriving nightlife scene. The redevelopment of the Rock Island Bridge also is gaining momentum.

Last week, they welcomed a new neighbor.