Greenfield Main Street Member of the Month

TWO WEST MAIN

Jim and Maria Dawson and their business, Two West Main, were named Greenfield Main Street’s members of the month for June.

Two West Main encompasses a number of different businesses under the roof of the Creative Arts & Event Center, the iconic three-story structure at 2 W. Main St., on the northwest corner of State and Main.

Maria runs Bradley Hall Events on the center’s third floor. Jim runs the OnSiteCaterer businesses, which caters events at Bradley Hall and other venues throughout central Indiana.

Later this month, on the arts center’s first floor, the couple will open The Greenfield Grind -- a cafe serving espresso and coffees, smoothies, handcrafted fountain sodas, sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups.

The Dawsons know what a timeless treasure they have in the arts center, known for its limestone facade and striking stained glass windows. They bought it from previous longtime owners Bob and Bev Hunt in January, after leasing the Bradley Hall space from them since 2016. “We didn't want any outsiders swooping in and jeopardizing our future there. We love the history of the building and want to make sure it's well maintained,” said Maria.

“Assuming ownership of the events venue was a natural progression to grow our business and become a leading provider of special events and catering services in the area.”

The couple have a passion for catering and facilitating special events. Jim has been catering part time since the mid-90, and went full-time by founding OnSiteCaterer in 2010. Maria launched Bradley Hall events in 2016.

At Bradley Hall, they manage wedding ceremonies and receptions, corporate and nonprofit events, social gatherings, class reunions, awards banquets and monthly wine tastings. They hosted more than 40 weddings in 2017, and are set to host more than 50 in 2018.

LEMON LANE BOUTIQUE

Lemon Lane Boutique was named Greenfield Main Street’s member of the month for July.

The boutique was founded by Anne Lawson and Christa Weaver, two friends with a shared love of fashion. The two women opened their flagship store in downtown Shelbyville in May 2016 and opened their Greenfield boutique last November, at 113 W. Main St.

Both boutiques carry the latest fashions for women and children, as well as home decor and gifts. “We strive to provide trendy, unique, quality products,” said Anne.

She and Christa, both from Shelbyville, were drawn to opening a shop in Greenfield for a number of reasons. “We absolutely fell in love with the building. We like the variety of stores in the downtown area, and it is apparent that the city knows the importance of maintaining the downtown business community,” said Anne. “Throughout the building and developing process, the government officials and city planners were very accommodating and welcoming.”

Main Street chose to honor the Lemon Lane owners for their decision to enhance the downtown Greenfield retail area. “Inside and out, the boutique is beautiful to look at and a pleasure to visit,” said Main Street’s executive director, Shelley Swift. “They have the type of high quality, unique merchandise that makes shopping in downtown Greenfield so much fun.”