Discover Avon’s French Creek District

The French Creek District is many things to Avon residents and visitors. It’s a tribute to early Avon settlers and their historic homes and buildings. Some structures have been lovingly repurposed into residences, unique shops and restaurants. It’s also new, thoughtful development that strives to complement older construction. And, it’s the home of many community events.

The French Creek District is a destination for those who appreciate local history, preservation and architecture that echoes the past. But it is also for those who value the way we live today, with a yearning for high quality goods and bespoke items, from boutique clothing to home decor.

Olde Avon Village is a popular area with a distinct personality within The French Creek Distrct. The unique shopping and dining opportunity was only a dream of entrepreneur and developer Ron Larson until he found property he wanted in the 1980s and literally began moving historical structures to the site during the late 1980s and into the ’90s. Larson now calls Olde Avon Village “a sanctuary” from the hectic modern life we encounter every day. And yes, Larson’s Tree House Gallery and Tea Room, built about 1850, is the heart of the Village.        

A look at several organizations and businesses that help make the French Creek District special:

The Heart of Avon Marketplace

“It is almost like a dream come true,” says Anne Marie Brown (aka Shinko-Brown), owner of The Heart of Avon Marketplace, which opened in October 2025 in the former Country Store location on Stoney Ridge Road. “A lot of people helped with various little things and that made a big difference. Some volunteered their time or gave advice. And my husband, Josh, worked so hard and gave me so much support. We wanted both my parents to be there for the opening, and they were.”

Brown’s parents, antique dealers Bob and Lois Shinko (affectionately known as Aunt Teak and Uncle Junque), retired in 2012, closing the Country Store they operated at the corner of Detroit and Stoney Ridge roads for more than 50 years. Before then, beginning in the 1890s, the space was a millinery and dry goods store with a hitching post in front for horses, and also operated by Anne Marie’s ancestors. Closed for about a year, neither Brown nor history-loving Avon residents could bear to see the buildings leave the family.

“My mom organized a lot of different things for the city, including the old outhouse races, Aunt Teak and Uncle Junque yard sale and the Candlelight Walk in the 1980s. She grew up in Avon and loved the city. She has been a big role model for me, and I want to be just like her,” says Brown, a teacher for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and the mother of two children, Nathan and Evan.  

At first, Brown was not sure if re-opening the store was even feasible. But then she found a forgotten, hand-written sign she created as a child playing in her parents’ store. It read, “Anne Marie’s Country Store.” The sign was, well, a sign, according to Brown.     

Today, two historic shops make up the Heart of Avon Marketplace, connected by a flower-covered outdoor arbor. Whimsy Willow Boutique is located in the former Country Store, refreshed, bright and cheerful. True Hart Boutique occupies the other space with other vendors, too. Together the stores carry clothing, jewelry, candles, home decor, mugs, skin care items, baby gifts and more. 

“We kept old wood and flooring from the original store as well as barn doors and used those throughout the shops,” says Brown. “I just couldn’t let these buildings go. But I want it to be unique and the things we sell unique. I love going to small towns and visiting boutiques.”

True Hart Boutique, 2540 Stoney Ridge Rd., truehartboutique.shop; and Whimsy Willow Boutique, 2536 Stoney Ridge Rd, whimsywillowboutique.com

Details

Lori Miles is the owner of Details, an upscale home decor, women’s accessories and gift shop at The Shoppes of Olde Avon Village. She shares that, “people have approached me to put my business elsewhere, but it just wouldn’t be the same.” 

Miles is right, of course. The setting just couldn’t be duplicated. Her boutique, located in The Lewis House, built circa 1843, was moved to Olde Avon Village from Center Road in 2002. The exterior light brown bricks were made with sandstone taken from Amherst quarries. It is said to be the only pyramid-roofed stone house in Ohio. 

“The quaintness and historical aspect of the area really spoke to me. The building is just adorable,” says Miles, who opened her shop in 2003.  

Although she considers Avon her home, Miles first looked to Canada to fulfill her entrepreneurial dreams. An inn up north sounded pretty good until the tragedy of Sept. 11 changed the policies in Canada.

“So, we decided to keep it closer to home and when we saw this building, we knew it was what we wanted to do,” says Miles.

Instead of compromising the integrity of the interior by knocking down walls or creating other structural divisions, Details’ four major retail sections are differentiated by wall paint colors and include kitchen, bed and bath, living room and dining room areas. 

Items include: home decor (small furniture, clocks, mirrors, artwork and more), tabletop (Nora Fleming, Mariposa, Houston Llew, Mud Pie and other lines); gourmet foods (Stonewall Kitchen, Coffee Masters, Blue Cattle, etc.); women’s accessories (QUDO, Spartina, Isla); infant items (blankets, books); and a small men’s section with Ohio sports-related themes.

“We are always evolving, and I do look for trends. Some of our customers make suggestions as to what they would like to see in our shop as well,” says Miles, mentioning that although she did not initially sell jewelry, it has become a big part of her business, including QUDO, an interchangeable jewelry line made in Germany.   

She is especially proud of the artwork she offers from artist Houston Llew. His inspirational works also include collectibles created with molten glass on copper with messages that read such things as “When you need a miracle, just look at your child and realize you created one.”  

“His work is very personal and is very good for gifting,” says Miles.

Details, 36840 Detroit Rd., oldeavonvillage.com

French Creek Foundation

Thanks to the continued efforts of the French Creek Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed in 1993, The French Creek District continues to be a pleasing visual setting and to have a positive impact on the community. 

“The founders came together to develop and revitalize the District with two specific goals,” says Clint Gault, president of the Foundation. “First was to assure that the city’s heritage be maintained between past, president and future generations of residents. And second, that aesthetics and heritage be a part of any French Creek development.”

That beautification of the District by the Foundation has shown itself in many ways over the years. That includes partnering with the City of Avon and local businesses to build The Gazebo at Heritage Square at Detroit and Stoney Ridge roads, and also the installation of large, flower-filled cement planters in the French Creek District on Detroit Road. 

“The Foundation also has grown to making a beautiful impact on the community with our events,” says Alissa Gault, a Foundation member and a former Avon Local School District school board member, Avon Soccer League Association coach and former sixth grade teacher in the district. She is married to Clint and they share four children. 

French Creek Foundation is a sponsor and partner of three major events each year, according to Clint Gault, a financial planner and tax attorney who owns Wealth Health in Avon. The Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast is the only Foundation event that charges a fee, but money raised goes toward the flowers for the Detroit Road planters. A Christmas in July celebration is also a popular mid-year event for all families in Avon.  

For many residents, the annual December Tree Lighting Festival is a highlight of the year. While everyone enjoys the event, a small group of children living in the community are selected for gifts and special participation, including one youngster who lights the city’s holiday tree.

“As blessed as we are in Avon, there are cases every year where there are students going through some tough times. The Foundation and the community want to show them and their families our support,” says Clint.

New members are always welcome to join the French Creek Foundation. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

Wealth Health, 35651 Detroit Rd., frenchcreekfoundation.com

Woodforest Furniture 

It’s an idea that you have had in your head for awhile now. You want to buy a dining room set, something well-made and which will become a family heirloom someday. You want the table big enough to seat your family and friends, the chairs comfortable enough so conversations can continue after dessert.

But you are not quite sure what you want. Although you have torn some “almost right” pictures from magazines and have made a basic sketch on a scrap of paper, you need help. Nothing you have seen in the furniture stores is quite right either.

“Our customization is great,” boasts Chris Moyse, who co-owns Woodforest Furniture with his wife, Jenny. “Bring in that simplistic drawing or maybe an inspirational photo and we will bring that picture to life. And we will make it from real wood and save you a lot of money.” 

Woodforest Furniture sources maple, oak, hickory, walnut, cherry and other species of trees primarily from Wayne and Holmes counties. The company partners with more than 80 Amish builders in Ohio for its wood products. It turns to Lancer Furniture, a respected, American-made, upholstery business, to offer furniture for every room.   

“All the finishes our builders use are safe and formaldehyde free. Babies can chew on our cribs, and you don’t have to worry about that like you would with imported furniture that may not be toxin-free,” says Jenny Moyse. “The Amish do old school practices, but in their own modern ways.”

Woodforest Furniture was founded about 11 years ago by Chris’ father, Gary Moyse, who had more than 30 years in the industry. At one point there were two store locations, one in Avon (originally near Pickering Hill Farms on Detroit Road) and the other in Olmsted Township. Gary hired his then 16-year-old grandson, Jared, to help with deliveries, a part of the family business he manages today.

Looking to retire, Gary asked his son Chris, a former police officer for the City of Brecksville, to take the helm of Woodforest Furniture, which happened gradually. Woodforest Furniture moved to its current Avon location in 2024 and opened in a building with an appealing store front that “draws people in,” according to Chris. 

Today, in addition to custom furniture, Woodforest Furniture offers: bedroom, dining, office, living room and youth collections; specialty pieces (including bar pieces); and outdoor furniture. Jenny suggests if someone needs furniture immediately to consider showroom floor items, which are instantly available.

 A recent partnership was formed between the company and T3 Performance, a large Northeast Ohio athletic training facility in Avon, that sees more than 500,000 visitors of all ages and abilities annually. Woodforest Furniture provided poly outdoor furniture for the complex’s volleyball court area and lobby.

Woodforest Furniture, 37211 Colorado Ave.; woodforestfurniture.com

Renew CLE

Renew CLE owners Andrew and Jenna Isaacs pride themselves on their remodeling company’s custom services and consider any project a collaboration between them and their clients. 

“We do CAD drawings for every project and 3-D renderings so clients can visualize the work and the concepts we are talking about,” says Andrew, who established the business in 2015. 

Renew CLE specializes in kitchens, basements, entire floor and whole house remodeling, plus floorplan reconfigurations. Add bathrooms, mudrooms and laundry rooms to that list. 

Jenna keeps abreast of design trends. (“White Shaker cabinetry is going out,” she says.) But she isn’t as concerned with what an influencer says a kitchen should look like as much as she cares about the happiness of clients.

“You can’t possibly keep up with what social media says, nor should you,” says Jenna, also an attorney. “We don’t believe anymore that our kitchens have to look like our neighbor’s kitchen. I am glad, I also like funky stuff some people think of.”    

Andrew said an important impetus for the creation of Renew CLE was his desire to see trade professionals — carpenters, electricians, painters, etc. — treated with respect and given credit for their skills. 

“Our project managers and lead carpenters are dedicated resources who shepherd folks through the actual construction process. They are part of our team who care about their work and how they do it in a home they are sharing for a time,” says Andrew.

The company also has a solid relationship with a master cabinetmaker in Ohio’s Amish country. That work is featured in a kitchen display, along with other room cabinetry, in the Renew CLE showroom. Andrew points out that “any wood species, any stain, any paint color or door style is available – and all with premium hardware.”

The showroom is part of a new building which opened in 2024 in the French Creek District. During Covid, the couple operated their business from their home, looking for the right location to build when the time was right. They had previously lived in Avon and say they love the community and area.

Renew CLE, 37060 Colorado Ave., renewcle.com

Wild Iris Home

It’s a good thing entrepreneur Sheri Seroka has a good imagination. She didn’t just see an empty plot of land and a real restate sign when she first looked at what was to become The Shoppes of Olde Avon Village and the location of Wild Iris Home, a home decor business she co-owns with her daughter, Ashley Barnett.

Seroka had an impressive 26 years in the corporate world, including working for Sherwin-Williams for 15 years. The position, National Director of Color Marketing and Design, brought her to the Cleveland area.. But there was always that passion in her heart to join forces with her daughter, whose careers included interior design and commercial photography.

So, Seroka, who has lived in Avon since 2003, told Ashley that the empty lot was “home, where we want to be,” in what would become “a quaint little neighborhood.” Wild Iris Home (named to honor Seroka’s late mother who loved the flower) opened October 2019.

Of course, that was right before the Covid-19 lockdown and the mother-daughter team had to stretch their business beyond their retail store. No problem. Customers had been coming into the shop and saying, “I wish you could come to my home and make it look like your shop.”

“We said, sure we can do that,” remembers Seroka. Today, in addition to the charming retail store that sells “everything from the floor to the ceiling,” old and new, including furniture, kitchen items, wall decor, textiles, tabletop decor, lighting and accessories, the two women offer residential and commercial interior design services, including installation via their large network of local contractors. 

Not sure what to do with the pillow, lamps and area rugs you already own and love? Seroka will make a home visit and “work with what you have so it makes sense in your space.” Or the Wild Iris team will arrive at your doorstep (after a client consultation) with a collection of items to help transform a home.

The Wild Iris Home building also has an event space called “Common Company Studios” available to photographers and for small events and business meetings.

“I think we have become the bridal and baby shower capital of the West Side,” says Seroka.

Wild Iris Home, 36840 Detroit Rd., Suite S, wildirishome.com

Strip Steakhouse

When developer and preservationist Ron Larson announced a number of years ago his intentions to open his then latest venture in Olde Avon Village, he did so by erecting a sign that read “Strip” on the exterior of his building, Ewers Barn, built in 1851. 

“There was a lot of community uproar because they thought we were opening up a strip joint in the French Creek District,” recalls Larson. “Now we make sure we add the word “Steakhouse” to everything we do so we don’t have protestors out front.” 

Strip Steakhouse opened in 2009, and the community quickly forgave Larson for the false alarm. The popular restaurant has become a landmark in Avon.

“We do meat,” says Larson, describing his establishment that offers mostly Midwestern cuisine. “Our prime focus is steak and beef, but we also have a great seafood selection with lobster, shrimp, crab and scallops. We also have pork, chicken, a fantastic lamb and breaded alligator tenderloin (named See You Later). We also offer specials from time to time that include ostrich, venison, elk and wild boar, especially in the winter months.”

He’s talking USDA prime, Gold Certified Black Angus beef, aged for more than 21 days to ensure superior flavor and tenderness, as well as some Australian Wagyu steak. But don’t worry, vegetarians. Salads are fresh and generously proportioned, and sides (big enough to serve two) are interesting. Those include Bourbon Creamed Corn, Gruyere Mac and Cheese and House Pierogies.  

“We still make everything from scratch and change our menu twice a year,” says Larson. “We are very conscious of pricing and never wanted to be considered an expensive restaurant. We want to make sure what we deliver to our customers is the best food quality and service, from the greetings of the hostess to our friendly bartender.” 

Strip’s primitive, elegant interior offers indoor seating for up to 100 on two levels (go upstairs for a more intimate setting) and an additional 60 on a seasonal patio.

Strip Steakhouse, 36840 Detroit Rd., stripsteakhouse.com

Maddocks Construction    

William Maddocks, owner of Maddocks Construction, has always enjoyed working with his hands and the challenges of building and repairing homes and businesses. As a teenager and young adult, Maddocks worked for a number of roofing and siding contractors. But one particular incident made a lasting impact on him.

“One day I was just really tired and just sat down on the ground for a few minutes. From his truck, my boss yelled at me and told me never to do that again,” recalls Maddocks. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m going to start my own construction company some day and he’ll never yell at me again like that.’ Officially, I started my company in 2014.”     

Maddocks established his business in North Ridgeville, but relocated to Avon in 2024. At first, he was renting a former brewery, but recently bought a former floral shop across the street. He completely renovated the building and “even people who are jogging by or walking their dogs tell me how good it looks and welcome me to the city,” according to Maddocks.

“The City of Avon even offered me some work,” says Maddocks, who helped repair and improve the Avon Senior Center and ForeFront Field, as well as install gutters in municipal park buildings.

Maddocks Construction concentrates on roofing and siding. That includes the inspection, installation and repair of residential asphalt shingle roofs and flat roofing, primarily on commercial buildings. Stripping off old slate roofs can be especially challenging, as can buildings that have been fire damaged and which are unstable and need to have upper structural elements replaced. Free inspections by the company uncover the possibility of missing shingles, bent or lifted metal flashings or damaged roof protrusions, including vents and chimneys.

Maddocks’ best tip for homeowners looking for repairs?

“Be careful of storm chasers who come through town and offer to do work on your house,” warns Maddocks. “Sometimes they don’t do it or don’t do it right. And then they leave and you can’t find them. Buy local, whether it’s from Maddocks Construction or not.  

“I am grateful for all I have been able to do and for the support I have gotten,” adds Maddocks, who is establishing an outreach program at his church to provide socks and gloves to the unhoused.

Maddocks Construction, 36951 Detroit Rd.; roofmc.com