NDI to close downtown

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Corey Williams | The Brewton Standard The Cracked Pot storefront is located on Belleville Avenue.

Corey Williams | The Brewton Standard
The Cracked Pot storefront is located on Belleville Avenue.

Brewton’s Natural Decorations Inc. (NDI) is closing its downtown location to make way for professional office space and an event venue.

However, residents should be pleased to learn they can get their “fine faux flowers” fix locally during monthly buying events at the company’s corporate location in the Brewton Industrial Park.

Carol Gordy, NDI owner, said Tuesday the big project is “good for us and good for the town.”

The estimated 7,000-square foot Cracked Pot and Paris Market facility opened in 1999 in the Belleville Avenue Courtyard complex and employs four. Gordy said the employees will make the transition to the storefront’s new home in the NDI plant.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that we are taking this next step,” Gordy said of the project. “I think it’s going to be great for the town and for all concerned. There aren’t too many places where you can have a professional office with all the amenities you need in the hub of the community. And, the event venue, it will speak for itself and be open for everything from a bridge party to a wedding reception.”

Gordy said the showroom space will be converted into four professional offices and at least one boardroom. She is already in discussions to fill one office.

“That size store is really large for our size town,” Gordy said. “The work it takes to fill it, transfer the items from our plant, it’s really time consuming. So, we’ve decided to use the space in a different way.

“If anyone is looking for office space, contact me,” she said. “We can build to suit.”

The Cracked Pot is expected to reopen at the plant in March. Monthly sales to the public will be announced as the opening approaches, Gordy said.

The downstairs event venue will continue with the name “The Paris Market,” Gordy said. Renovations are ongoing, and Gordy hopes to offer the venue for rent beginning in January.

“It’s really going to be a beautiful, yet functional space,” Gordy said. “We will add a kitchen for caterers and restroom facilities. There will be a place for a band. It already has a fantastic tile floor that’s perfect for dancing.”

Gordy said the Cracked Pot’s manager Angela Watson – a “fabulous caterer herself” – will coordinate the venue’s bookings.

Tables and chairs will be provided, and floral packages for decorating will be available, she said.

Next week, Tues., Nov. 1, will mark the start of the 70 percent sale, Gordy said.

“And the closer we get to the Dec. 23 close date, the deeper the discounts will get,” she said.