6/21/2006
Refurbishing
downtown
Interior design, fabric, antique shops cluster
By Sherry Slater
(excerpts from original article printed in The Journal Gazette)
The corner of Pearl and Harrison streets is quickly becoming a destination for Fort Wayne's stylish set, breathing new life into an ailing downtown retail community.
Dreks' Home Furnishings and Urban Chic Designs, the first two to move into the building on the northwest corner, work with clients who want antiques and interior decorating services.
FabricWorks, which sells fabric for furniture coverings and window treatments, and Organized Living Solutions, which provides organization services, are poised to move into the same brick building next week.
The firms often refer clients to each other, so the owners see great synergy having the complementary businesses grouped together. They also share a commitment to creating a vibrant downtown that lures people to stay and shop after visiting a museum, the library or the botanical gardens.
Their "one-stop" downtown design center is, they believe, a terrific start.
Setting up shop
Urban Chic Design moved into "The Pearl," as the owners like to call the building, 1-1/2 years ago.
Owner Cara Gerbers and two other interior designers work with residential and commercial customers on everything from selecting a floor plan to choosing the flooring, lighting, cabinets and paint colors for a new home or office building.
She is making room in her suite for Emily Fitzgerald's business, Organized Living Solutions, which is scheduled to take up residence July 1.
Fitzgerald who is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, works with both home and office spaces. She meets with clients, assesses their goals and problem areas, devises a plan, sets priorities and works hands-on to tackle projects, according to her Web site.