Many downtown Cadillac stores are relocating

Jeff Broddle | Cadillac News Ryan Lieb laminates a countertop while working in the new location for The Clothesline in downtown Cadillac.

CADILLAC — Not only is downtown Cadillac buzzing with summer shoppers, but there is movement of businesses as well.

With the completion of the historic Kramer Building slated for July 1, three businesses are in anxious anticipation of moving in. The building sustained damage after a fire in October of last year.

After two years at its current location, The Clothesline is making a move to the remodeled building at 117 N. Mitchell St. Along with an increase in local support and seasonal customers, storeowner Wendy Sandgren said she is in need of a larger space.

“We want to add to some of our product lines such as more d/cor pieces,” she said. “Our local support is fantastic and we are really happy to expand.”

She also said the move will allow costumers more parking in the back of the building.

Two new businesses plan to open in the other spaces in the Kramer Building — those being Backyard Buddies and The Music Station.

After teaching business principals to Baker College Students for many years, Mark Kraszewski decided to open a business of his own. He and his wife Kimberle plan to open Backyard Buddies, which will offer birdhouses, birdbaths, feeders and other outdoor novelty items.

“I have always been interested in bird watching, as were my parents,” Kraszewski said. “I noticed a shop in Houghton Lake. … The owner accepted my offer to buy the business.”

Eventually, Kraszewski plans to expand his product line to accept pet apparel, birdhouse kits and possibly custom building birdhouses to resemble a home. He plans to work with the community to find out what else customers want to see.

The Music Station, scheduled to open in mid-July, also will move into the Kramer Building. After being a musician for 45 years, Larry Bouza decided to open a business that interested him.

“I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do, so I figured I may as well do something I enjoy until I retire,” he said. “I wanted to be in the downtown area because it is a healthy place for the city. It also is close to school, so students have a safe walk here. I am focusing on the needs of students.”

Besides general products such as guitars, keyboards and drums, Bouza will carry reeds and mouth pieces for school band instruments and also offer lessons.

Another addition to the downtown area will be Royer’s Antiques, which is moving from the north end of Cadillac. The new location is the former site of the Cadillac Pharmacy — which moved across the street to 106 N. Mitchell St. Besides lower rental prices, owner Gloria Royer wants to be in the downtown area.

“I have had great reviews from my customers — they are so happy I am moving down here,” she said. “Not only do we have the great view of the lake, but we have a lot of parking space behind the building.”

Royer plans to open July 1 and have a grand opening July 4.

On its way out is the consignment store Barely Used, owned by Connie Bosserd. After being in business for three years, she is moving downstate to be closer to her family.

“It has been a blessing to be here and it is hard to leave,” she said.

She hopes to sell the business to someone who would like to “keep the ministry going.” She does plan to stay open through August.

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Downtown Cadillac changes

The following businesses will either move or relocate to the downtown area: