Illinois Painter Expands into Flooring

Lincoln, IL, February 7—-A new Lincoln business, Simonson Flooring was getting a last-minute painting touch up today for its ribbon cutting ceremony and open house, according to the Lincoln, Illinois Courier. Store co-owner Mike Simonson has operated his own painting business for nine years. One of his painters, Chris Chezem of Lincoln, was doing some touch up work as Simonson greeted customers and consulted with Susie Albert of Lincoln, the store's designer. Albert has 22 years experience in the business, including several with the former Gossett's Decorator Studio. "I think we'd like to be known as more than just carpet," said Simonson, whose business partner is his wife, Katherine. There are sample displays of Shaw and Mohawk carpeting and Mannington hardwoods and vinyl throughout the two-level store. Amid it all sits a dining room table with tasteful settings for customers and staff to use to browse the store's samples and sample books. The Friday evening festivities are in coordination with the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce. The Simonsons bought the late Glenn and Marilyn Buelter home in March and opened their flooring business in September after extensive remodeling. Store customers will appreciate being able to see the downtown's only private indoor swimming pool, a feature the Buelters had installed. "They can see it, they just can't swim in it," Simonson said. He refurbished the pool area and developed the building's interior into the retail outlet. One feature is a cluster of four tin ceiling tiles; another is an old-fashioned wood-burning heater.

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