Network of Small Businesses Building in Shoppes of Port

The prop walls that used to separate show rooms at the former furniture store in downtown Port Washington are still there, but after standing lonely for five years — with a few revival efforts coming and going — they've been given new life as several businesses have set up shop in their midst as the Shoppes of Port Washington.

One wall on the second floor of the building — commonly recognized as the former Lueptow building, 211 N. Franklin St. — has a fireplace with candles in the pit and the words "family," "believe" and "patience" set up as decor to comfort the children and teenagers who come to to cope with the loss of a loved one.

Throughout the three-floor space, six businesses have their own walled rooms, and at least ten artists and crafters have booth space to sell their products.

"I had an empty building, and no one was using it," said Shoppes Owner Merton Lueptow, who has owned the building since 1979. "I just let this grow as people come and want space. I didn't expect to be at this point so soon."

Collaboration reduces cost, brings business

The businesses have found many perks because of sharing the space, including the rent. Booth rentals start at $50 per month, and the larger spaces start at $150 per month.

With several open spaces on the first and second floors, there is plenty of space for businesses to expand as they take off, and for new businesses to move in. A new business, Port Royale, is just starting to move in.

"The more the better for everyone," Lueptow said.

The business owners collaborate by swapping tips and registering sales for each other when they're away. They coordinate various shifts so the store is open six days a week without anyone having to work that often — especially the artists, who can leave their products on the booths and make sales without ever being there.

"You're not just independent and hoping you'll make it," said Jane Guetchidjian, owner of Jane's Handy Sewing. "We're all helping each other."

Guetchidjian has been running her own business doing alterations for 25 years, and said she decided to move into Shoppes of Port because she was looking for a way to continue business with lower overhead, and without working every day.

She serves as a valuable resource to other businesses, such as Sports Images & More, who are just getting started.

"It's a good place for a start-up because you don't have to hire a full-time person," said Lisa Kien, co-owner of Sports Images & More. "We're all one big family. We work in cooperation."

Kien and her husband Mike Gostomski said it was easier for them to start their business in the Shoppes of Port because they can maintain other jobs while their store establishes a place in the community.

"They have the ability to pay their bills while their dream gets off the ground," said Peter Burke, a partner at Lakeshore Kitchen.

The proximity to other established businesses also helps new customers discover them.

"Everybody's business draws business for everybody," Kien said. "People come to Jane for alterations and they stop to admire Lakeshore's granite island."

Burke said he liked the space because of the public exposure it offered his business, which is transitioning from installing kitchens to distributing kitchen materials.

"Instead of risking our money on advertisements, we risked it here and it's paid for itself," he said. "Merton was so gracious in letting us do what we needed to do before starting our lease. His kindness really allowed us the time and money to get started."

Businesses find place in community

Burke said they've benefited from many walk-ins, and credited the Main Street Program with attracting people to local businesses.

"They're bringing the people," Burke said.

Burke said they had one walk-in customer who ended up spending $16,000 with them.

For , the space was right for its low cost and central location.

"We don't need a public space, but we want to be downtown," said Co-director of Design Glenn Walters, who has lived in Port for about 20 years. "It's neat to actually work where you live."

Lueptow said the only other place he has seen a collaborative effort similar to his was a storefront in Southern Georgia that his brother drove by. He hopes to continue experimenting and expanding.

For example, Lueptow and the group have opened the space to community organizations. They collected fabric for a group from Christ the King and St. Peters who were sewing quilts for charity, and allowed girl scouts to serve hot chocolate in the store for the Christmas on the Corner event.

Lueptow said he is also considering opening the space for classes or seminars.

"It's almost become a little community center," Kien said.

A recap of what you will find in the Shoppes

• Mourning Cloak: Grieving services for people dealing with death;
• Port Royale: Coming soon, will sell gift items such as Port memorabilia, religious and inspirational products;
• Jane's Handy Sewing: Alteration services;
• Sports Images & More: Selling sports posters, apparel and other products;
• Lakeshore Kitchen: Kitchen construction and products;
• Red Fusion: Industrial design studio;
• Arts and crafts: From local vendors.

The store is closed on Mondays, open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.