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

After serving the Central District for 40 years, Flowers Just 4 U is set to close its doors, with the final business day on January 31, 2025. Owner Mary Wesley has been holding out hope for a buyer to take over the shop and maintain its legacy at the corner of 23rd and Cherry. The location will soon be transformed into the Acer House, a five-and-a-half-story apartment building designed with Afrofuturist elements, which will also include childcare and retail spaces. Of the planned 114 apartments, 30% will be reserved for low-income residents, reflecting a commitment to affordable housing amid urban development. Wesley has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including threats of eviction, but community support has been instrumental in her business's survival.

She originally launched Flowers Just 4 U at 23rd and Jackson before being displaced by development. As she prepares for retirement, Wesley hopes a new flower shop owner will step in to continue serving the community. This closure highlights the struggles local businesses face amidst rapid urban changes while emphasizing the importance of preserving community legacies.