Every great neighborhood has a great coffee shop. Yet the evolving Waterloo Arts District, home to the Beachland Ballroom and a bevy of art galleries and record stores, currently lacks one. That's going to change soon, as Kimberly Homan, originator of Beachland's popular Sunday brunch, is planning to open Bright Coffee Bar on Waterloo's east end.

"I'm pretty invested, having put a lot of time in on Waterloo," says Homan, who has worked on the street for more than eight years. "I love the atmosphere and attitude. It's still a work in progress but we're all kind of growing together."

Bright is just one of several new businesses that will open on Waterloo later this year or early next year as part of Operation Light Switch. Waterloo Brew, the new neighborhood-inspired craft beer that will be brewed in the reworked Slovenian Workmen's Home, will hold a launch party on Friday, October 3rd. Restauranteur Tom Bell of the Flying Monkey Pub in Tremont has announced that his newest project, in the former Harbor Inn, will be called the Millard Fillmore Presidential Library. And Satellite Gallery and Ink House are under construction on E. 156th Street.

With the new streetscape set to be unveiled this fall, Waterloo is ready to celebrate and welcome these new businesses, which will only add to the street's revitalization.

Other new launches either under construction or soon to break ground include the fiber and textile studio Praxis, the ceramic studio and gallery Brick, and the long-awaited restaurant Crop Rocks, led by well-known chef Steve Schimoler.

Bright Coffee Bar might not open until next year -- the construction schedule is still fluid -- but Homan says it will add a much-needed piece to the Waterloo development puzzle. Regular amenities such as coffee shops and restaurants will help to drive more consistent traffic on the street.

Homan, who originally is from Collinwood and lives in the neighborhood, couldn't be more excited about returning to the street as the proprietor of a new business.

Bright will be small and cozy, a community hub with excellent coffee and baked goods. The entire building is being renovated inside and out by Northeast Shores Development Corporation. Homan plans to incorporate healthy, seasonal and local food, and will purchase her coffee from Solstice Roasters in Midtown.

"They do wonderful things with coffee," she says. "They really bring out the flavor profile of the beans they roast, which are done in small batches. They focus on medium roasts, not the Starbucks culture where they're all burnt. They're flavorful, bright coffees."

Bright also will feature baked goods from Goody Two Shoes Bakery, including vegan and gluten free options. Homan also plans to offer vegan hot chocolate.

The space will have large bay windows with seating. There will also be seating at the coffee bar and a few tables in the front room. In the back room, there will be a lounge area with chairs and couches. The entire place will seat 24-30 people. It will be connected to Brick ceramic studio and gallery, which is opening in the same property.

Homan has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help get Bright brewing.