Glen Ellyn florist prepares for move

After operating Five Corners Florist at the same Glen Ellyn location for more than a dozen years, Taylor Austin is hoping to find a new digs in the village's downtown.

Austin has until June to move her flower shop because the existing spot at 820 N. Main St. has been acquired by the village.

The two-story brick building and the 9,000-square-foot lot on which it stands were purchased to make way for a history park near Stacy's Tavern.

Historical society officials are exploring ways to demolish the building and transform the site into open green space. Meanwhile, they have given Austin four months to pack up her goodies.

"Naturally, I'm not happy about it," Austin said Thursday. "But what are you going to do?"

In late January, the former owners of the property transferred the title to the village.

But since Kenneth and Terra Rezmer wanted about $700,000 for the site and Glen Ellyn was only offering about $300,000, village officials initiated eminent domain proceedings to acquire the land in July 2006. Once the court ruled in favor of the village, another hearing determined a selling price should be $460,000.

Now, Austin must take her boatloads of floral equipment and accessories to another location, possibly along Pennsylvania or Forest avenues.

Even though rent might be a bit more pricey, Austin said her business will be able to keep the same phone number.

"I'm hoping the loyal customers will follow me there, and then attract new customers," she said.

Still, Austin admits, she considers the existing spot home. She said she's not looking forward to the move.

"I like this corner because there's plenty of parking on the side of the building, and I won't find that downtown," she said. "It's also easy access for delivery people here and for customers."