It’s been about a year since Elliott’s News was forced to closed at its former 50 Monroe Place location, driven out by extensive renovations to the building and closed for business until recently, when longtime owner Bill Bennett announced the newsstand’s reopening in the lobby of downtown Grand Rapids’ McKay Tower.
“We are excited to be back in business,” Bennett says. “I still believe there is a need for our services. It just feels natural to be in downtown. The McKay Tower folks made a good deal for me to return, so I’m eager to get back to it.”
Occupying nearly 900 square feet on the first floor of the landmark McKay Tower in a recently renovated space next to Freshii, the new Elliott’s space contains an original Grand Rapids National Bank vault from the building’s first tenants, and offers the majority of the same items sold at the previous 50 Monroe location.
Bennett says that although the new space is a little bit smaller than the previous 1,200-square-foot 50 Monroe digs, he’s outfitted the store with new magazine racks and other equipment and doesn’t anticipate the smaller footprint affecting his selection.
Still adding inventory and awaiting installation on the store’s credit card processing and Michigan Lotto Machines, Bennett says he and his team are still putting finishing touches on the space and that the store is about “65 percent stocked.”
About 150 years old in total, Elliott’s newsstand has occupied space in a now-demolished building where Rosa Park Circle sits, and was also previously located at the former Greyhound Bus terminal.
“Elliott’s has been an institution in downtown before any of us were alive and before this building was even named McKay Tower,” says Laura Miller, McKay Tower property manager. “As well, Bill knew there was still demand for his operation and retirement wasn’t yet calling his name.”
Current store hours are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Written by Anya Zentmeyer, Development News Editor
Images courtesy of Elliott’s News
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.