MUSKEGON, MI - Twelve mini buildings are under construction in downtown Muskegon, and will host a mix of food, clothing, decor and gift shops.
Several structures are up, and siding is starting to go on the mini retail buildings - chalets - on West Western Avenue. Businesses will open in May.
The chalets will host 12 retailers this summer:
- Gems Near the Lakeshore
- Y-Knot Embroidery
- No name - art, vintage kitchen ware and repurposed goods
- Bodhi Tree Market
- Abeshi Fotos + Crafts
- Just Klassics - flavored popcorn, Muskegon and Michigan home decor, and jewelry
- Baby Bears Children's Boutique
- Silipint
- No name - repurposed furniture, decorative home items, signs, coasters, mirrors, barn wood pieces and more
- Donna Jeanne's Sweet Dreams - doughnuts, fudge, candy apples, cupcakes and more
- Tatterweave Designs
- Love Bites Treatery
The retail spaces range from 90-150 square feet.
The chalet season will run from the beginning of May to the end of October. Shops are required to be open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday from May 1-June 30 and Aug. 15-Oct. 30. From July 1-Aug. 14, shops are required to be open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. every day. Shops will also be open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. during all cruise ship visits and festival days.
Some of the chalet businesses will use them as a second location, while others are getting started.
Gems Near the Lakeshore has a location inside the Century Club down the street. Baby Bears has a store downtown Montague. Y-Knot has a retail space in North Muskegon. Bodhi Tree Market is an established business with offices in Ferrysburg and an online presence. SiliPint is an established business based in Oregon with a strong online presence. Love Bites Treatery is sold by several retailers and at the Downtown Market Grand Rapids.
The 12 sheds are going up east of Rootdown on the south side of West Western Avenue. Prior plans called for nine structures placed on the northeast corner of West Western Avenue and Second Street, across from Rootdown.
The location changed because electrical hookup is more convenient on the other side of the street, said Ann Meisch, city of Muskegon clerk.