AUSTIN, Texas — A business spared from demolition in the $4.5 billion Interstate 35 expansion project through Central Austin opened its doors at a new location in North Austin over the weekend.
Nature’s Treasures held a grand opening at its new store along the I-35 northbound frontage road between Rundberg Lane and Braker Lane on Sunday. The event featured a food truck, tours of the new property and lots of vendors.
Nature’s Treasures has been in business for 25 years selling rocks, jewelry, books and more.
Owner Karen Richards said TxDOT approached the business last summer about moving its longtime store near I-35 and 41st Street to make room for the highway-widening project. Richards said the timing was perfect.
“We had just had a meeting about what we were going to do because it was time,” recalls Richards. “We have 14,000 square feet stuffed. It was like, ‘What are we going to do?’ TxDOT came knocking on the door and said, ‘We want your property. We’ll help you move.’ Thank you!”
Richards said she had her eye on the North Austin property for awhile. TxDOT helped financially with the move.
“They’ve worked with us,” said Richards. “They’ve supported us. We’ve just been very pleased with the support.”
Richards hopes to host community events in another building under construction on the new property, which she hopes to open by spring.
“We’re going to bring loving energy and vibrations here that’s going to uplift this whole area,” said Richards. “We’ll be able to offer so many more international events and things for schools and teaching. We have the room to do it now.”
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