Whatever was wrong with the retail space at Capitol Hill’s John Court building is apparently on its way to being remedied. In 2011, CHS documented the building’s long-empty commercial space in what seemed like a prime area for businesses near the Group Health campus at 15th Ave E and E John. Two years later, the commercial spaces are finally being put to use.

Last week, CHS reported on the all-systems-go launch of construction for Bakery Nouveau Capitol Hill.

Neighbors may have noticed even more activity in the building as the offices for an American Family Insurance outlet were set up. The office run by agent Sarabjit Singh neighbors the office of Edward Jones financial advisor Paula Fedirchuk who has been holding down the fort in the building’s ground floor for more than a year perched between large, empty retail bays. On the north side of the building, the dry cleaners have been open for business from the outset. The building, by the way, replaced a Kid Valley burger joint perfect for creating a few dry cleaner-worthy stains.

Singh said he’s been with American Family since leaving Bank of America a few years back. He used to work at the Broadway B of A branch and has been looking for an opportunity to return to the Hill while selling insurance in Bellevue.

“My dream and the community I always wanted to be in was Capitol Hill,” Singh said.

As for John Court’s long run of emptiness, Sing said he had actually been trying to lease the space for the past year. Apparently the real estate brokers behind John Court are the slow, deliberate type.

Soon, however, Singh and his staff of three will be part of a bustling corner as Bakery Nouveau is slated to open this spring.

“We’re looking forward to it,” Singh said.