New spot in historic Tucson neighborhood to combine coffee, shopping

Two local business partners are combining their love of coffee and shopping in a historic Tucson neighborhood.

Arianna Wilson and Courtney Bedient are the owners of Cactus Wren Kids, an online store with kids’ shirts and baby onesies.

When they sold their merchandise at different markets around town, the duo got to know many other small business owners and decided to open a brick-and-mortar location.

Wilson and Bedient have leased the 1,000-square-foot building at 1610 N. Tucson Blvd., formerly a Mayfield Florist, to open Sonoran House.

Shoppers will be able to sip their roasted coffee and tea and snack on pastries from local bakers, Wilson said.

“We’ll also have little seating areas and cozy hang-out spots where you can read a book or just relax,” she said.

Merchandise will be displayed throughout the shop with items such as pottery, jewelry, artwork, soaps and snacks, as well as their own children’s clothing line.

Sonoran House is taking applications from potential vendors and has received several inquiries.

“We’re really open minded, as long as it’s local,” Bedient said. “We want to keep it Tucson focused.”

They also plan to partner with local business to do some consignment or spotlighting of merchandise to keep the inventory fresh.

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The shop is located within the Blenman-Elm Neighborhood, between Campbell Avenue and Country Club, Speedway to Elm Street west of Tucson Boulevard and Speedway to Grant Road east of Tucson Boulevard.

It boasts historic places such as the Arizona Inn, which opened in 1930; Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and School, opened in 1931, and Blenman Elementary School, opened in 1942.

The neighborhood even has a butterfly park on Treat Avenue.

Today, its periphery is dotted with many chain restaurants, along Grant Road, as well as along Speedway.

Bedient said many neighbors have reached out to express their delight with a local shop opening.

“We’re getting tons of positive feedback,” she said.

Remodeling work is underway on the building, with an eye toward preserving its history and character.

Vendors are still being sought with applications available at sonoranhouse.com/vendors.

Updates are being posted on the shop’s Instagram page, Instagram.com/sonoranhouse and applications are being accepted for a full-time shop manager and part-time baristas and retail associates. The number of employees has not yet been determined.

Wilson and Bedient expect to open for business by the end of summer.