Flowers Just 4 U closing shop after 40 years of business in the CD

Flowers Just 4 U, a beloved flower shop in Seattle's Central District, will close its doors after 40 years, with the final day of business scheduled for January 31, 2025. Owner Mary Wesley has been hoping for a buyer who could carry on the legacy of the shop, which has served the community since its inception. The store's original location at 23rd and Jackson was lost to development, and it subsequently moved to 23rd and Cherry. This new site is set to undergo significant changes as it will be redeveloped into Acer House, a five-and-a-half-story apartment complex featuring an Afrofuturist design and a commitment to affordable housing. The project aims to reserve 30% of its 114 planned apartments for low-income residents, reflecting the community's need for accessible living spaces.

Wesley's closure highlights the broader implications of urban development on long-standing local businesses, emphasizing the need for a balance between growth and community heritage. While she looks forward to retirement, there remains hope that a new flower shop owner might emerge to continue serving the neighborhood. The story of Flowers Just 4 U encapsulates the challenges and transformations facing local enterprises in rapidly changing urban landscapes.