Highland Park and Oak Park, neighborhoods on the north side of Des Moines, have undergone a renaissance, with new businesses such as The Slow Down Coffee Co. joining long-time fixtures such as Italian favorite Chuck’s Restaurant and ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery.
Anchor stores such as the Des Moines Mercantile, a general store reminiscent of simpler times, and The Collective, a sustainable supply shop and bulk refillery, brought destination stores that draw in customers from outside the neighborhood. New boutiques, such as Divine Times Vintage; The Little Book, a shop with children’s and adult books, as well as a new events space, The Bank; and Art Terrarium, a plant specialist, are thriving.
Here’s a look at some of the new businesses about to open in the Highland Park/Oak Park neighborhood near Sixth and Euclid avenues, along with some that debuted recently.
What’s opening in Highland Park?
On Oct. 15, Highland Underground opens in the neighborhood, the first business to debut in the renovated Klein’s Department Store space at 3614 Sixth Ave. The cocktail lounge with a ’70s vibe features retro decor, phones that connect to another booth in the bar, mannequins dressed in vintage attire that’s for sale, and fondue.
Bar Martinez from Travis Oler plans to open this fall at 515 Euclid Ave. The 650-square-foot main floor will have room for 29 to 35 patrons, with a small patio in the back. The sign outside the bar went up on Oct. 2.
Beth Mensing plans to open Scoops by Beth, an ice cream business, at 523 Euclid Ave. next to Divine Times Vintage. Mensing began making her homespun ice creams in 2014 in flavors such as lemon basil and peach cobbler. “The space will pay homage to the neighborhood of Highland Park in its heyday of the ’60s and ’70s,” she told Canvas Rebel. Look for an October opening.
Highland Park Fitness and Nutrition opens on the ground floor of the former Klein’s Department Store in December. The community-focused gym and nutrition store owned by Jeremy Toland plans to provide a personalized gym with a focus on helping members improve their health through fitness and nutrition services.
What’s already opened in Highland Park?
Nicole Nayima opened Black Sheep Craft Shop at 3523 Sixth Ave., Suite 102, with yarns, knitting and embroidery supplies, notions, sewing tools, fiber art kits, and crafting tools. The store is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CS Home from Casey Staats opened at 503 Euclid Ave. with home decor and gifts. The boutique is open Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
North End Barber Shop opened at 505 Euclid Ave., and Diamond Kutz Barber Shop opened at 3710 Sixth Ave.
Gallery Nails & Spa at 505 Euclid Ave. offers manicures and pedicures.
Grooming by Victoria moved into 501 Euclid Ave. with dog services for nails, baths, trims, and even treating matted hair from owner Victoria Gutierrez.
Lachele’s Fine Foods and The Fitz opened with a comfort food menu of smashed burgers, chicken pot pie, beef and noodles, and more, as well as cocktails, at 3619 Sixth Ave. Lachele’s Fine Foods is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Fitz is open Monday from 5 to 11 p.m., and Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What’s new in Highland Park? A look at Des Moines’ hottest emerging business district
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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