A new retail shop celebrating nature-inspired goods and local artistry has opened at 172 S. Seminary St. in Galesburg, transforming a historic space once meant for a grand hotel into a vibrant shopping destination.
Sanctuary on Seminary, operating under Rivet Revival House LLC, debuted this month with home, garden, and art products crafted by Midwestern makers. Owner Hillary Anderson, who ran Dovetail Rivet & Stitch on Seminary Street before going online in 2023, chose the name to create a welcoming experience. “It’s a special place where you feel more connected to the products you’re buying, the makers, and those of us working here,” Anderson told WGIL. “Stores, especially independently owned ones, are important social spaces.”
The location, next to Cornucopia Natural Market & Deli and near Prairie Players Civic Theatre, drew Anderson for its charm.
“I’ve eyed this space for years, with its incredible columns, mosaic floors, and light from the storefront windows,” she said. “There are several other brand new businesses downtown as well such as Judy’s Kitchen, Fisk Bier & Wine, Dante & Dory’s Pet Emporium, and Orange Cup Sidecar coming soon.
“Galesburg is an increasingly vibrant place due to many steadfast, visionary, and hard working entrepreneurs. I have appreciated the downtown its various stages throughout the years. It’s a good time to be here and I’m so glad to be back!”
Reviving a historic Galesburg gem
Building owners Maury and Susan Lyon renovated the space over a year, adding plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems while repairing ceilings and columns. Anderson painted walls, scrubbed floors by hand, and envisioned the layout, guided by her grandmother’s advice that small business owners do the gritty work. “I was just in there myself, thinking about the space,” she said. Her parents, kids, fiancée, and friends helped finish the 2,000-square-foot shop.
The shop’s theme blends nature and sanctuary, with houseplants and botanical-scented products. “I want it to feel like you’re outdoors when inside and inspired to enjoy the outdoors after you leave,” Anderson said.
Sanctuary stocks jewelry, pottery, art, glass, kitchen and garden tools, cleaning supplies, natural skincare, birdhouses, art supplies, notebooks, puzzles, toys, pocket knives, and Galesburg-themed gifts, plus a gluten- and dairy-free pantry with snacks, quick meal options, coffees, and teas, many available at rivetrevival.com.
One-stop shopping with local flair
Compared to her prior stores, Sanctuary offers a one-stop shopping experience alongside Cornucopia. “When people shop for groceries with them, they can also come to us and find unique gifts along with a growing selection of practical household items,” Anderson said.
She also noted prices are lower than at Dovetail, and former staff have returned to the team, saying, “We’re finding our specialty pantry items make great gifts.”
Visit Sanctuary at these hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, expanding for the holidays.