ESCANABA — A new retail and creative space is opening in downtown Escanaba this week.
Water Lily Gifts & Gather will celebrate its grand opening Friday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1113 Ludington Street. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for noon.
The new shop, located within the middle of the downtown construction zone, offers a unique blend of retail and creative space. Owner Brandy Torvinen says she’s excited to welcome customers and is confident visitors will still find their way to the store.
“The water lily felt like the perfect symbol,” Torvinen said. “It’s peaceful, beautiful, and rooted in nature, which reflects the feeling we want people to have when they walk through the doors. ‘Gifts & Gather’ is about more than shopping — it’s about creating a space where people can connect and enjoy being.”
Water Lily Gifts & Gather carries a wide range of items appealing to both locals and visitors, including home décor, apparel, locally made candles and soaps, specialty food items like jams and jellies, handbags, and artisan goods.
In addition to retail offerings, the store features a creative area where customers can work on projects or participate in classes.
The new store joins others on Ludington Street faced with the challenges of operating during downtown construction.
"To open a week after Ludington Street closes for nearly five months is a tough situation to be in," said Craig Woerpel, executive director of the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority. "But she is doing a great job setting her business up so people can come in. It is definitely worth the walk to find her.
The city is in the middle of a two year project to reconstruct aging water main, sewer and lead service lines along Ludington Street.
Despite ongoing construction, Water Lily Gifts & Gather remains accessible from the front. Customers can also use a rear entrance located off a back parking lot on 1st Avenue South across from Bethany Lutheran Church.
The store will be open Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
