Creative Reconstruction

August 6, 2021

In May 2019, Rod and Kirsten Spek purchased 545 North Railway Street, built in 1941 as a mechanic shop, with plans to house their businesses, Couture Hair Salon and DRC Concrete. 

Taking advantage of theDowntown Development Incentive Program, the couple re-constructed and re-designed the interior of the building from May 2019 to June 2020.  

“There is a story to be told here about the history behind the buildings, and there is huge potential for it to become a lively hub that connects with the downtown,” says Kirsten.

Following the success of 545 North Railway, the couple recently purchased and redeveloped 505A North Railway Street, this time taking advantage of the Waterfront District Vibrancy Grant. In July, locally owned business Botanicals moved to this larger space to celebrate its first year in business.

For their third project, Rod and Kirsten plan to purchase and renovate another building on the block, and they have also purchased an empty lot behind Couture Hair Salon with plans to construct a new building.

“We want to offer an affordable space where local business owners can collaborate with each other and be a part of pop-up markets,” says Kirsten. “It’d be especially great to have a grab and go café, and we definitely see more retail shops moving in as well.”

Rod believes the rejuvenation of North Railway is a key component of the City’s vision for the Waterfront District, and the two look forward to how the Waterfront District will liven the area with travelers and residents that will bring traffic to local businesses.

“We want to give small business owners the chance to be successful through any economic climate, and the incentives have helped us to do that,” says Rod. “North Railway has the beauty, buildings and resources to be full of businesses and people, and we want to see it be just that.”

Couture Hair Salon, Heartbreakers Dance and Fitness Studio and Botanicals all reside in the Spek’s finished properties.