A new gift shop, The Eyrie, will open in Ypsilanti's Depot Town by the end of April and will sell predominately Michigan-made products.
Owner Janette Rook said her 750-square-foot business at 9 E. Cross St. will sell about 95 percent locally made items and the rest will be from California.
The Eyrie will be the second Michigan-focused store to open on Cross Street.
The MI General Store, at 44 E. Cross St., is a gourmet specialty shop featuring Michigan products. MI General primarily sells wine and beer with a small selection of chocolate, sweets, snacks and cheese.
Rook said her products include handmade baby items, soaps, hand creams, unique home decor, seasonal potted plants and garden items.
"I've been wanting to open something like this for a while," Rook said. "There's just a lack of stores that have locally made products, so I decided to create it myself."
Rook plans to operate as the sole employee, as her business expands. Rook said she chose the area and space due to the desirable location and affordable rate.
"I looked all over Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and the space was more affordable here," Rook said. "The space I have has giant windows and a garden space. It's kind of amazing and unique. Depot Town is fun and it has such a cute vibe."
Rook's business is located along the Huron River and next to Stealth Hydro and near Frog Island Park.
City records show J&K Worldwide LLC. purchased the property in 2011 for $305,000. The assessed value of the property is $148,800.
Rook said she's made a few cosmetic changes to the property, giving it a more open feel. She tore the carpet out and "exposed the bones of the place." Rook has decorated the space with cases and armoires.
"I painted one wall a deep turquoise along the full length of the building and the rest is white, with sheers hanging," she said. "The windows are really the focus. The store has big tall windows, it's just amazing."
Rook said she partially chose the location because of the feel Depot Town has with several unique stores and businesses.
"It just has a nice feeling and when I come down here on the weekends it has a lot going on," Rook said. "It feels relaxed, you see people playing guitars outside."
When the store opens, its hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.
