Nov 17, 2007

Entrepreneur chooses Market SquareBy Max ShowalterJCOnline.com

Marte Bowsher had already planned to open a gift boutique in Market Square shopping center before new owners took over the 28-acre property on the north side of Lafayette.

Mayor Tony Roswarski helped Bowsher cut a ribbon Friday morning to officially open Froglegs and Cattails, a shop that features country decor, gift boxes, candles, floral arrangements and other items.

“I’ve been writing a business plan for a couple of years,” said Bowsher who previously worked at two stores in Lafayette — Things Remembered and Factory Card Outlet. “I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur on my own. We’re finally here. It’s been a lot of fun.”

A division of Pinnacle Properties Management Group, a Bloomington-based real estate investment and management company, purchased Market Square in October for $8.75 million. While searching for new tenants for the facility that has several vacancies, the company plans to upgrade the property’s buildings, parking lots and streetscapes.

“We’re optimistic they’re going to do some of those things,” said Roswarski, who has met with the new owners. “We are very enthusiastic about working with them and moving this center forward. Market Square is a very important piece in this part of the city of Lafayette.”

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