By Laurie Lunsford—
MUNCIE, IN—The Crossing Community Marketplace at 3506 W. Jackson, houses six businesses. Several businesses are run by Baby Boomers and one is Generation X. The Boomers have tucked retirement behind them and are zooming forward in their passions along with the Gen Xer. “Age means nothing,” they say.
The marketplace, which was a strip center back in the 70’s, has been refurbished into a welcoming place with businesses unified under one roof. Those who visit have an opportunity for a home cooked meal with friends at the Café, shop at a quality consignment boutique and an artisan gift shop, discover a new hairstyle or nail design, or hang out at the coffee shop,.
In the midst of Covid, Lynn Moore, a retired executive director of Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, started the Crossing Community in 2020. Being an artist and entrepreneur, she wanted to do something big, so when the opportunity to refurbish an entire building arose, she jumped in with both feet. It became an art project.
Moore pulled the business owners together into one family, as she took down a few walls and designed the space to work together, inside and out, including a wonderful pergola for outdoor dining.
Kristie Green runs the Salon at the Crossing and has been in the building for 34 years and has known Moore for nearly as long. Their kids were in school together. Green is the one who suggested that Moore buy the whole building and put her creativity to work. Green loves her customers, her family, and cooking.
Lensay Summers owns the Head to Toes Salon. The salon has been in operation over 22 years with Summers at the helm for 14. She loves her customers. Her motto for life is, “Treat people like you want to be treated.”
Dawn Donson, an artist and coffee specialist, initiated The Haul ‘n Oats Coffee Shop one year ago. Donson is an artist and coffee specialist, and has put her passions into this artsy place that offers specialty coffee and toasts, and homemade breads with gluten free options. Homemade sourdough bread is a highlight. Donson and Moore attended the nearby West View Elementary School as children.
Moore, the one who made this community possible, hosts The Café at the Crossing specializing in home cooking. The homemade soups are great for winter months. There is a cozy dining room, an outdoor pergola with planters all around, and a marketplace hosting local artisans.
The marketplace is an opportunity for local artisans to feature their wares. Offerings include candles, handmade soaps, crochet market bags, spa cloths, hats, personal and home accessories, and items that would make great stocking stuffers. The Café is drawing neighbors, students, and many BFF groups who have the time to relax and visit over a good meal. This is a unique destination for those in Muncie and beyond who would like a special dining experience. Three times a year they have a seasonal “Faire” spilling from the Café into the parking lot with local musicians, artists, food tasting, and vendors.
The Crossing Community Marketplace is a product of vision and a lot of energy. Lynn says, “You have to have passion for the mission of what you are doing, not just the task itself.” Those at the crossing have a work ethic and it is out of passion for what they are doing. Their longevity in the community proves it. They are “giving back.”
Face book addresses
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Café at the Crossing https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057266747291
The Crossing Community Marketplace https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057397301841
The Salon at the Crossing https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057087504813
Haul ‘n Oats
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