We’ve got another Denny Byker influenced story for ya.  Right around the corner from Asinaabe Studios where we met Jason Quigno the other day, there’s a place called Elevated Market.  Elevated Market began as a quaint vintage shop in Eastown…the passion inside of it’s owners however dictated a little bigger space, and purpose.  You are about to meet Heather Nowakowski and Wendy Winn.  They have taken the idea of a “vintage shop” into what will become a regional destination for all of the things that make life important.  I’d be the farm on it.

“Elevated”.  What’s in a name?  Is it the idea that the market is on the second floor?  Is it the idea of business growth for a vintage shop?  Is it that something is lifted up?  All of these fit, but the reality here is that Elevated Market is something remarkably unique in West Michigan and being driven by people who can clearly see that all ships rise together and that as their good fortune continues to come, bringing everyone they can with them builds community, compassion, goodwill and opportunity.  Also too, that “opportunity” can be fit to scale and those who want BIG opportunity or those who may just want to be part of it, they are all included.  The only thing bigger than the building, are the hearts of Heather and Wendy.

Remembering what it was to begin is core value for The Elevated Market.  If you are a serious vintage dealer, there’s a spot for ya.  American Pickers would be jealous.  If you make things and only need a shelf to display your arts, there’s a shelf with your name on it, and $25 bucks a month will bring your creation to market.  So many crafters and vendors work in their private spaces making things for friends and family with remarkable talent, but might not see the chance to take a jump with it.  If you can start off with $25 bucks a month to sell your custom creation…YOU can start climbing that ladder of self success.  It’s a tall one, no one is here to tell you any different, but your foot is on the first rung.  With that foot there…what you’ll find next is where the miracle begins to unfold.

I was just there to record a story.  The love and support given to a perfect stranger was felt before I even said hello.  Inviting, supporting, interested and ready to engage.  Imagine finding that with the people in charge and almost everyone surrounding them?  Kindness, encouragement and community, which is exactly what was set out to be built for the long term of the area.  Where Keeler Brass once stood, and employed generations of people, is being renewed to not only once again employ people, but revitalize an entire area.  Phase 2, The Glass House is opening June 15th.  Brace yourself.

The Glass House is going to be a year round market too.  With seasonal shifts and flea markets going on.  With the space of the two places and the surrounding area….there’s something coming that will have no match in West Michigan.  Imagine a scene with food trucks everywhere you go.  Entertainment going on.  People shopping, relaxing and gathering.  A laid back atmosphere filled with people seeking cool things, new tastes and experiences and respite from the day?  Let’s give you a mindset.  Ever been to Pikes Place Market in Seattle?  How about Navy Pier?  The Elevated Market and The Glass House combined will provide an atmosphere of a festival and destination when it’s up to full speed on weekends and events.  My 56 years in West Michigan tells me that we are going to see a new “hub” in an area that long sat forgotten after the industrial age.  Rebirth.  Renewal.  Repurpose.  Visionaries who’ve taken vintage to viewing the future on the largest scale, and building the community they want to live in.  We’re honored to be in on the “elevated floor”.

Visit The Elevated Market online. CLICK HERE.   Follow The Elevated Market on Facebook.  CLICK HERE.  Instagram.  You got it!  CLICK HERE.