Erica's Board Creations moving out, Home - In Rockton is the building's new owner

UPDATE: The deal didn't go through and Home Decor didn't buy the building after all. But since they had already given notice to their Main Street landlord, that meant they had to find a new location quickly, and they have moved to Elkhorn, WI.

The building at 122 S. Prairie Street in Rockton, Illinois has a new owner, as well as a new mural. It has been the home of Erica's Board Creations for several years. Now shoppers will find decor, gifts, and vintage as it becomes the new location of Home - In Rockton.

Erica Esselman at Erica's Board Creations says the board business will continue after she moves out of the building in August. "We will still be doing remote painting events, to go kits and custom orders. We will not have walkins or in-studio painting so please come see us at one of the venues we travel to!"

The other shop in the building, Local Blessings, has closed. It was also owned by Erica. 

New owner Kristy Pearson announced on Facebook, "I am so excited to share with you all that HOME will soon have a new home. I am purchasing Erica’s property and will be relocating the business in September/October."

Kristy opened her shop at 116 W Main St, Rockton, on June 25, 2022, with decor and gifts, then expanded to the second floor with Home Vintage.

For 15 years, the Prairie Street building was the home of Cyndy's Country Cottage until Cyndy Fogarty's retirement in 2019, when she and her husband moved to Kentucky. After battling cancer for several years, she died in 2020. Cyndy became the namesake of the Stateline Chamber's Cyndy Fogarty Lifetime Achievement Award, which she received in February 2019.

To prepare for the upcomding move, Erica is holding a "HUGE MOVING SALE" on July 27 10:30-5:30 p.m. and July 28 10:30-4:30 p.m. She says, "We are closing our storefront & need to CLEAR THE SHOP OUT! TONS of home decor, tables, shelves, cabinets, boards, & more! Dixie Belle Paint products 40% off!!! Don’t miss this sale!!"

Kristy says, "This building has a special place in my heart. I have fond memories of shopping The Country Cottage with my mom and grandma throughout the years. I wish my Grandma was here still to see this incredible opportunity unfold.  In the meantime we will be open upstairs on the weekends and downstairs normal days & hours. Thank you all so much for your continued support. I can’t wait to transform the space into a fun shopping destination for the community to enjoy."

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