Living the car-free life in downtown Ferndale is becoming a little easier now that more businesses are opening in the area.
Long-time Ferndale institution Blumz by JRDesign is moving its 8 Mile Road location to a bigger and better spot on East 9 Mile Road in downtown. At the same time a new bakery, Pinwheel, is opening on downtown's west side.
"We've got a pretty good variety or shops right now in downtown," says Maile Ilac Boeder, executive director of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce.
Such a variety is often cited as a key to developing a vibrant, urban core. Ferndale has taken several steps to build and promote its downtown businesses, creating one of Metro Detroit's most eclectic city centers.
That is exactly what attracted Blumz owner Jerome Raska to move his floral shop to its new home at 503 E 9 Mile, a few blocks east of Woodward Avenue. He is taking over a former florist's 10,000 square foot space, which is three times bigger than his previous location on 8 Mile.
The new location will allow Raska to expand his business by offering more products while tapping into downtown Ferndale foot traffic. He expects to hold a grand opening later this fall.
"We are very proud to be a part of Ferndale," Raska says.
While an old favorite is taking a bigger place of prominence downtown, a new comer is starting to make its mark in a smaller spot. Ferndale-resident Ann St. Peter has just opened the Pinwheel Bakery at 220 W. 9 Mile.
A baker for 18 years, St. Peter is moving her baked goods business from her home into a storefront a few blocks west of Woodward. She now offers scones, muffins, cakes, cookies, and treats beneath the building's original tin ceiling.
While renovating the space with her husband, St. Peter discovered a leaded glass window across the space's front wall and decided to restore it. The result is a bit of vintage flavor along witha whole lot of natural sunlight.
Source: Jerome Raska, co-owner of Blumz by JRDesign and Ann St. Peter, owner of Pinwheel Bakery and Maile Ilac Boeder, executive director of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
Writer: Jon Zemke
Pictures courtesy Blumz and Pinwheel websites.
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