Ferndale Business Will Move to Former Dollar Castle Space

The former Dollar Castle building at 200 West Nine Mile Road will soon be home to expanding Ferndale baby boutique Modern Natural Baby.

The store is currently located just a few doors down at 224 W. Nine Mile Road and is one of three businesses that will eventually occupy the space, which has been vacant since Dollar Castle closed its doors in October.

Modern Natural Baby owner Emily Murray said the shop will triple its retail space with the move, which is planned for August after extensive renovations are done.

"We're really excited about it," said Murray, who owns the store with her husband John Murray.

Modern Natural Baby will lease about 5,300 square feet of the 12,000 square foot building and will be located in the center of the building with another business on each side of it.

The extra room will allow the store to carry more products, including car seats and strollers, Murray said. This is especially important since many customers open baby shower registries there.

"Our goal has always been to have whatever you need for a baby," she said.

A large play area including toys and couches will also be featured for shoppers and as a place to hold classes, with topics such as cloth diapering and breastfeeding. Murray said the play area could also be used for playdates in the future.

The owner of the downtown Ferndale building is planning to renovate the space inside and out, Murray said. "It's going to look amazing when he's done," she said. "Everything is going to be new."

Modern Natural Baby started online in 2009, opened a brick and mortar store on Woodward in 2010 and moved to Nine Mile Road in 2011.

The shop specializes in cloth diapers and also carries baby clothing, baby carriers, toys and more. Learn more about the business here.