By EMILY REED / Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – When Ken and Danette Lindsey were looking for an investment property in Alabaster, many questioned their decision to select a dilapidated building for a business venture.

“Everybody asked us what we were going to do with ‘that old building,’” Danette Lindsey said. “We had a vision of what we thought it could be, but nobody else did. There were a lot of people that thought it should just be torn down.”

Ken and Danette purchased the former Siluria Post Office, which closed in 1972 and had most recently been used for wheelchair storage, located across the street from the new Alabaster City Hall.

“When we bought the building we were cleaning and we realized how great the bones of the building were,” Lindsey said. “We actually had thought we would clean it up and rent it, but when we began to see it unfold, I could envision a beautiful boutique. We were really excited to be able to bring this historic building back to life.”

The Lindseys’ vision became a reality when “Boutique Bazaar” opened on June 18. The boutique specializes in women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories. It also sells home and gift items as well as some furniture.

The boutique carries furniture that is from the Magnolia Home Furnishing line by Joanna Gaines, star of the HGTV series “Fixer Upper.”

“Right now we carry some of the furniture, but we can order anything available online or anything that she [Joanna Gaines] offers,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey said she retired from working for an insurance company and wanted to open the boutique so she could work with her niece, who has a young special-needs child.

“The boutique was a way for me and my niece to work together, and for her to have her child with her,” Lindsey said.

Lindsey said many of the products offered at the boutique are often promoted on social media.

“We use Facebook and Instagram to advertise the clothing, and we have it set up where individuals can purchase directly from Instagram and Facebook and we can ship it to them,” Lindsey said. “If you can’t come into the store but you see something you like, we can help.”

The Lindseys are planning to develop another portion of the property into a special events venue in January.

Lindsey said a courtyard on the property will allow them to have indoor or outdoor weddings for up to 150 guests, or birthday parties, business gatherings, bridal showers and teas, or baby showers.

“We are still working on it, but I already have weddings booked for next year,” Lindsey said.

While Lindsey admits the venture to turn a rundown piece of property into different businesses is unique, she said it is fun and exciting.

“We have had a lot of fun seeing everything come alive,” Lindsey said. “It has been a fun adventure so far.”

Boutique Bazaar is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at 633 11th Ave. Southwest in Alabaster.

For more information about the boutique or the special events venue, contact 624-3229.