Join the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber as we celebrate the expansion at Waterfront Framing and Design's product lines and physical space with an official Ribbon Cutting and VIP Event!
Two years ago, a change at the helm of Waterfront Framing & Fine Art quietly happened, which allowed new owner Valerie Byrnes to fulfill a dream of owning her own business in Southwest Michigan. Shortly after taking ownership, she began crafting her own vision of what the business, located on Ship Street in downtown St. Joe would look like, this included a name change to Waterfront Framing & Design and expanding her product offerings, and now her physical space as well.
The original Waterfront Framing opened 20 years ago on April 30, 2001 under long-time owners Diane & Ned Wollenslegel, who spent 18 years investing in downtown St. Joe and crafting the framing and fine-art shop into what many locals and visitors have come to know as one of the best in Southwest Michigan. “These two local legends are my heroes! They made a commitment to downtown St. Joe when they first opened, and worked tirelessly to build it to what it is today. Two years ago, they allowed me the honor of purchasing their amazing business knowing it would morph into a different version of itself. But always with the intention of keeping the same amazing craftsmanship and customer service our customers have come to know and expect.” says Byrnes.
You likely wouldn’t have even known the transition of ownership had happened with the Wollenslegel’s continuing to work with and support Byrnes during the renovation of the existing storefront, the addition of new artisan décor and furnishings, and now the expansion to the space next door. Inside that expansion, which more than doubles the physical footprint of Waterfront Framing & Design, you’ll find an artistically styled boutique. Byrnes adds, “The custom framing business has continued to see an increase in volume over the past year and my goal is to add additional artwork to create a gallery feel at Waterfront Framing & Design. It will allow us to stay laser focused on framing and get creative with our lines of artwork. That being said, I immediately saw the new space as an opportunity to be playful with artistically curated pieces to include furniture, home décor, paper goods, clothing and accessories that complement what is already offered by downtown retailers.” With the ultimate goal to be a part of a community-wide shopping experience for local residents and visitors, the new space will operate as b.grace boutique and will be managed by Emily Byrnes creating a mother/daughter management team.
In addition to the Ribbon Cutting on May 19th, Waterfront Framing and Design will also be hosting a special after-hours VIP pre-launch celebration, with the official opening happening May 20th through the 22nd.
You can shop Waterfront Framing & Design Monday through Thursday 10:00 am until 5:30 pm, or Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm with extended summer hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Date and Time
Wednesday May 19, 2021
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM EDT
Wednesday, May 19th
5:00 pm
Location
Waterfront Framing and Design
606 Ship St.
St. Joseph, MI 49085