By: Deborah Johnson Wood
After 15 years on Monroe Center, Little Bohemia’s eclectic vibe will soon draw its clientele to the Avenue for the Arts business district. The new space, 10 Weston, just around the corner from Avenue for the Arts, affords shop owner Terrie Wierenga several advantages, including space to ramp up her online store.
“These are such challenging times in retail, I have to figure out how to do business as cost effectively as possible,” Wierenga says. “It’s a smaller space and more affordable.”
That basement will become the order fulfillment space, storage, and office space. Upstairs, the 3,800 square feet (2,000 less than the current shop) features hardwood floors and 25-foot ceilings in the front retail section. The back retail area has an industrial feel: concrete floors, exposed ductwork, a skylight, and new double doors to the alley.
Dwelling Place owns the building, the last phase of the Verne Barry Place development.
“We were going to construct it as three artist live/work units,” says Heather Ibrahim of Dwelling Place. “Terrie approached us and wanted to take the whole space. We think she’ll be a great addition to the neighborhood.”
“We went ahead and built out the kitchen and full bath in case we want to change it back to live/work in the future,” Ibrahim adds.
Little Bohemia has a reputation for being fun and artsy, offering clothing, books, jewelry, a selection of beads, and more. Wierenga says she’s built up a loyal clientele.
“I hate to move from where I am, but I have to look to the future and hope that it works out for the best,” she says. “It’s kind of bittersweet.”
Wierenga plans to open in early March with a grand opening later in the month.
Pioneer Construction is handling the build out.
Source: Terrie Wierenga, Little Bohemia; Heather Ibrahim, Dwelling Place
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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