 It
was nobody’s idea. In fact, it just happened. After the
photo shoot for Guilford Woman, the ladies found
themselves huddled at Robust-ah! coffee, sipping on java
and passing around muffins. Spontaneous brunch.
This “family” of boutique owners shares more than just
coffee. The new Village at North Elm shopping plaza
presents a fresh vision and common dream. With a
projected 72,000 square feet of retail, 48,000 square
feet of office space and 190 residential units, it’s a
“one stop shop” ambience.
“People can come home on Friday and stay all weekend,”
said Michelle Davis, the Marketing Coordinator for Koury
Corporation. “We have everything from fine art, banking,
and groceries to restaurants, coffee shops, and clothing
boutiques.”
The Koury Corporation took a step out from the
mainstream with the Village project. Anchored at the
corner of Pisgah and Elm, this locally owned collection
of shops, eateries, and services forms a unique,
distinct community. Unlike franchised “Big Box” chains,
the Village fosters the old-fashioned, main-street
relationships of years ago. Their wares and services
cater to individual tastes rather than to generic, mass
trends.
“It is very rare that you can drive to one center and
find such a collection,” said Michelle. “I think it is a
place that allows you to escape for a while without
going too far from home!”
Each shop yields an array of surprising treasures.
Rhobust-ah! More Than Coffee melds a coffee cafe with a
furniture market, offering everything from gourmet
pastries to home design services. The nooks and crannies
at Jack Cecil’s hold mandarin soy candles, cut glass
cups, and embroidered handbags.
Even parking is personal—navigable, storefront access
without any honking congestion or intrusive stoplights.
If only we drove to work every Monday in this
environment!
 The
traffic in and out of the Village barely outweighs the
visits between the shop owners. They’re neighbors, and
they enjoy the friendship common interest brings. Dottie
Cooke, owner of Jack Cecil’s, frequents Rolly’s to buy
goodies for her newest grandbaby. Dian Felder, an artist
at Marshall Art Gallery, sneaks over to Indigo Bead
Studio before work for a little “bead therapy.” The
tables of the jewelry design store provide an escape, a
haven for her express her creative flow bead by bead.
“It’s just how an extended family works!” said Indigo’s
Wendi Mason. “We have a very ‘let’s get together and do
things!’ feel.” Even in the business arena, the
merchants join forces. Amy Vore of Rolly’s recalls
swapping advice with Elanna Weis from Emack and Bolio’s
Ice Cream. While collaborating for advertising
techniques, Amy suggested that Bolio’s welcome guests
from the street in an unexpected way. Lo and behold a
few days later, a life-sized ice cream cone could be
spotted strolling down Elm Street.
Nothing paints a more telling picture of this community
than the Fall Frolic. Last October, the Village hosted a
wine tasting featuring five premium North Carolina
wineries. Instead of the expected 600, nearly 1200
people showed up to peruse the outdoor canopies, chat
with the shop owners, and jive to the local band. Every
boutique flung open its doors and treated the streets
like an extension of their store.
The ladies at the Village extend this same warmth to
anyone to wanders in their doors—all ages from all walks
of life. It’s the distinctive details that enrich the
atmosphere. Once a month, Marshall Art Gallery hosts a
reception to introduce its artists’ fresh collection. In
addition to the wine and sheet spreads, co-owner Tracey
Marshall sets out chocolate chip cookies for another set
of “art connoisseurs;” she personally welcomes children
and has been known to spend one-on-one time with
inquisitive visitors.
“The buck stops both ways, coming and going,” said Wendi
“We don’t treat you like customer #50. Here, you’re our
neighbor!”
The Village blends downtown Charleston with the main
streets of Blowing Rock. Its classy, roomy streets
almost invite children to dash over and splash in the
fountain. Enjoy a patio table for two at the Chop House
Grille or swing by Emack and Bolio’s for a dish of their
famous Grasshopper Pie ice cream. From summer sun to
Christmas carriage rides, the Village is year-round,
all-in-one experience. Welcome home.
The Village at North Elm
301 Pisgah Church Road
Greensboro, NC 27455
http://www.villageatnorthelm.com |
