In a business corridor known for its eclectic mix of galleries, antiques shops, one of the city’s oldest pastry shoppes, and a jewelry “hospital,” the Home Store and Gallery at 919 East Fulton may be the most contemporary shopping experience to open its doors in the area.
Proprietor Jennifer Pierson opened the store on November 30 after months of extensive renovations to the space that was once a medical office, then a mortgage office and, most recently, a hair salon. Now all 2,200 square feet are dedicated to contemporary art and trendy housewares.
“I have items for every room in the house,” Pierson said. “The bottom floor has items for kitchen, bath, bedroom, and dining. The upstairs is décor and artwork that includes everything from original paintings from around the world to framed prints to metal sculpture to glass art.”
Pierson describes the store and gallery as being “between a Crate & Barrel and an Ikea.” Pierson, a Grand Rapids native, has lived in Chicago, St. Louis, MO, and Atlanta, and traveled the world for a previous job, so she was able to make connections for art and products from Europe, South America, Asia, the United States, and Canada.
“I want to be able to sell these items at very reasonable prices so the average person can have these pieces to decorate their house without spending a fortune,” Pierson said.
The building renovations include removing interior walls to open up the spaces, and dismantling the suspended ceilings to expose the ductwork, which Pierson painted silver. New electrical and heating systems and new windows were added, as well as landscaping and exterior awnings.
The store was nominated for the 2006 Neighborhood Business Alliance Awards for the best exterior renovation of a building.
The store will be open tonight for the annual East Fulton Shop Hop. From 5 PM to 9 PM the Dickens Carolers will stroll the streets, and many businesses will offer refreshments. Shoppers can ride a trolley from parking areas at Valley City Linen and the East Fulton Farmers’ Market. The trolley will drop interested shoppers at the Home Store and Gallery.
Regular hours for the store are Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 8 PM.
Source: Jennifer Pierson, The Home Store & Gallery
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