CONTRIBUTED PHOTO — Pilgrim Heights recently opened a general store at its main office, featuring wares made by local artisans. Pictured is officer manager Mackenzie Hinegardner, left, and executive Director Elisabeth Curtis.

MONTOUR -Pilgrim Heights, 3005 E Ave., has opened a general store at its main office, featuring wares made by local artisans. With a soft opening July 27 for people coming through town for RAGBRAI, it officially opened Aug. 1.

“Our office space has never really been fully utilized the way we would love for it to be. So one of the plans when I took over (as executive director), was to turn it into a general store,” Elisabeth Curtis said.

But other work obligations got in the way, with Curtis finally able to pursue the concept earlier this month.

A meeting room in the office building has been converted for the general store. It will be run by Curtis, plus assistant director Sarah Story and office manager Mackenzie Hinegardner, to help work the shifts.

“I’ve always loved working with small, handmade businesses,” Curtis added. “It’s always been one of my passions to help in whatever way that we could.”

As a team, they decided the makers would keep 100 percent of the profits, with no commission taken by Pilgrim Heights.

“We’re open whether or not we have the store or not. Let’s just go ahead and have a zero commission space for these makers to put their stuff in,” she said. “Within a day of deciding our plan, we put out a post on our social media, saying we were looking for people to put their items in our general store.”

Currently, about 14 makers are signed up to sell their products. Honey, artwork, candles, facial care items and camping essentials will be offered.

“It will include things people forget to bring on a trip, plus Pilgrim Heights branded merchandise, and grab and go things, too,” Curtis said.

She noted the goal of this store is to help these makers increase visibility and gain a new audience.

“I’ve been a seamstress for a long time. I’ve worked with profit sharing companies. I just think if we have the space, let’s just give back to the local market,” she said. “We get a lot of travelers on (Highway) 30 that come through. This will give them a little piece of Iowa — something handmade — which is unique for us to offer.”

Hours will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To submit your creations, please email: office@pilgrimheights.org with your images, information about you and your small business and your general pricing range.

In other Pilgrim Heights news, renovations to the Autumn House were recently completed. It has 12 hotel-like rooms available to rent with private bathrooms and rooms that can sleep four to five. The building has a sleeping capacity of 60 people. Next door to it will be a “take one, leave one” library. A new deck was also recently built on one of the cabins.

“We just have a lot of fun projects we’re working on right now,” Curtis said. “We’re going full steam ahead.”

In addition to being a venue for retreats, weddings and camping, Pilgrim Heights hosts events and artisan markets. Paddling 101 will teach participants how to canoe or kayak, with instruction from Tama County Conservation. It will take place at 6 p.m. on Aug. 16. Sign up online using the QR code or by emailing: rgenaw@tamacounty.org.

To learn more, visit: www.pilgrimheights.org, call 641-492-6165 or email office@pilgrimheights.org.