The most colorful house in Cape Girardeau is about to become the most colorful bed and breakfast in town.
Business partners James F. Coley and Eldon G. Nattier recently announced that they are getting ready to softly open their newest venture, Gypsy Rose bed and breakfast at 627 S. Sprigg St. The two own five houses on the 600 block of South Sprigg Street, including the 96-year old building at 611 that now houses their Rose Bed Inn bed and breakfast.
Coley and Nattier have spent years buying, renovating and selling houses all over the country. When the Rose Bed Inn opened in July 2001, it signaled completion of their 18th house, their first in Cape Girardeau. Now just two houses down the road, the revamped and slightly younger 94-year-old Gypsy Rose represents their 20th renovation, and what Coley promises will be their wildest yet.
Coley said that the decor of the new bed and breakfast will be a stark contrast to the traditional look of the Rose Bed Inn. As is indicated by the 15 colors of paint used on the outside (Coley plans to add a 16th, a robin egg blue, soon), the inside of Gypsy Rose will be much more fantastic.
The establishment will feature five new guest units including two rooms accessible for those with disabilities, complete with roll-in showers; a three-room suite for extended-stay corporate housing and two other rooms.
Four rooms feature a different theme associated with the American perceptions of the Gypsies. There's the Mardi Gras-esque Carnival Rose; the Desert Rose, which will simulate the interior of a caravan tent; the Sun Rose room with its mural of the sun rising in the east; and the Mystic Rose, which will play on the idea of Gypsies as mystics and fortune tellers. All rooms will be fully equipped with mini-fridge, cable TV, high-speed Internet and microwave.
In addition, Coley said the lower level of the house will be converted into the Eve and Adam Purple Door Spa, complete with tanning bed, light workout equipment, facilities for manicure and pedicure, and a by-appointment massage therapist.
Coley said he and Nattier are completing one room at a time, and will open the first of the completed rooms any day now.
Bringing back high fashion: When Hecht's Store closed in March, its manager of 30 years, Dan Elkins, knew there would be a void in the Cape Girardeau market for fine women's attire. Now, he's decided to fill that void on his own.
On Oct. 1, Elkins quietly opened DaniellE at 1330 N. Kingshighway. He now hopes to pick up where Hecht's left off, providing fine ladies clothing, furs and Brighton accessories to Cape Girardeau.
But Elkins' reason for opening a local location is twofold. In the months since Hecht's closed, Elkins has been working as a consultant for other stores like DaniellE all around the country. He said having his own store helps him keep in constant contact with his suppliers in New York. He said this benefits both his consulting business and the customers in Cape Girardeau who get to pick from the newest lines.
As for the name, Elkins said it is basically his first name (Daniel) and last initial (E). But to avoid confusion with the pronunciation, he decided to throw in an extra "L," which he said stands for one of his store managers, Linda Yount.
Westfield shuffle: In case you haven't noticed, there's been a lot of moving around at the Westfield Shoppingtown West Park. Try to stay with me.
Mary Ann Sample, owner of Purse 'N' ality by Mary's Gems located just off of center court, recently announced that her store of unique purses, pocketbooks and accessories will be moving across the way, into the store currently occupied by Bath N Body Works. Between now and Nov. 1, Bath N Body Works will move into the store formerly occupied by KB Toys, which recently moved into what was part of Lerner New York. Lerner New York changed its name to New York and Co. and moved into the shop that used to be Maurices in the Famous Barr wing. The other part of what was formerly Lerner New York is now occupied by an expanded Finish Line, which leap-frogged Radio Shack, moving closer to center court.
In addition, the new New York and Co. just got a new neighbor, Color Me Beautiful cosmetics and accessories store, located directly across from Hollister and Co. in the Famous Barr wing. Any questions?
Regional Title now in Cape: Since it was started in 2000 in Marble Hill, Regional Title and Land Services has been growing rapidly all over Southeast Missouri. The company is now ready to christen its sixth office, located at 1301 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. The company will hold its grand opening at that location on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cape Girardeau office manager Sharon Burton said that her company is unique in that it offers "country mile" service. That means providing all kinds of extra services such as bringing the banks to their office to close deals and actually going out to the clients to take care of business when necessary. In addition to Cape and Marble Hill, Regional Title has Missouri offices in Jackson, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston and Farmington.
Tony Rehagen is the business editor for the Southeast Missourian. Send your comments, business news, information or questions to Tony Rehagen, 301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0699, e-mail trehagen@semissourian.com or call 335-6611, extension 137.
Connect with the Southeast Missourian Newsroom:
For corrections to this story or other insights for the editor, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. To learn about the Southeast Missourian’s AI Policy, click here.