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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Sunday, August 9, 2009 12:16 AM CDT
Lake Land Floral makes a move

By HERB MEEKER, Staff Writer
hmeeker@jg-tc.com

MATTOON — Lake Land Florals’ new location is taking root with its customers.

The flower shop, co-owned by Wanda White and her husband, Clarence, moved in June to the former Illinois Central Railroad Freight Depot at 405 Lake Land Blvd. The business had been located for many years in the Good Neighbor Shopping Center on the south side of town. White believes the move has added some style to the business that aims to bring beauty into the community.

“We always wanted a building with history or character to it. Now, we’ve added some pieces that belonged to our parents or grandparents. They are things that mean a lot to us,” she said.

There are old cabinets, tables, windows and even a set of barn doors to mix in with the historic interior of the old depot that was the trade connection for the city 100 years ago. White has also added an old-fashioned touch to announce daily specials on flowers: chalkboards.

The move required a complete makeover since the area used to be occupied by two office-based businesses.

“We ripped everything out and the carpeting. If you look over there, the floor painting is covering up where the old scale was used to weigh things for the trains,” White said.

The change has been accepted by her customers, especially with no change in hours or phone number, still 258-6832.

“Everyone has really liked it. They think it’s homey,” she said.

The new business location also allows space for shared space with related businesses: Cakes by Christine and J-Wag Photo.

White plans to make other changes this summer, including a wildflower garden toward the rear and a disability access ramp in front. Flowerboxes already grace the front of the business.

“I felt really confident about this location. We looked at other places for a move and this seemed the best,” she said.

Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.

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