Flowers By Dorcas

By Jon Bell

For 25 years, Melinda Watzig has been designing floral arrangements for Flowers by Dorcas. And though her designs have always been unique and elegant and beautiful, she's never had a window to look out of for a little inspiration or even just a touch of natural light while she's designing.

But that's changed now.

In October, Watzig and her husband, Gerhard, moved Flowers by Dorcas from its longtime downtown Portland location to a new space in the heart of the city's Hollywood District. The new spot, in the built sustainable green K2 building at 4162 Northeast Sandy Boulevard, is roomier, more accessible and, yes, has more windows.

"This is the first time in 25 years that my wife has been able to look out a window while she's designing,' says Gerhard Watzig. "We are totally thrilled with the openness and airiness of this building. This was definitely the right choice for the shop.'

A full-service florist, Flowers by Dorcas specializes in unique fresh floral arrangements but also carries giftware, accessories, antiques and various handcrafted items. Watzig says the shop works with everyone from longtime individual customers to Fortune 500 companies. Flowers by Dorcas also provides flowers for special events, weddings and holiday celebrations.

Originally opened in 1948 in downtown Portland by the shop's namesake, Flowers by Dorcas was sold to new owners in the 1960s. Melinda Watzig joined the shop as a florist and designer in 1984. When the owners decided to retire in 2005, the Watzigs bought the business and kept a 60-year tradition alive.

"I think we're just really known in town and in the trade as the shop that has the most elegant and sophisticated arrangements,' Gerhard says. "When you want to represent yourself well — or if you're in trouble — you go to Flowers by Dorcas.'

He adds that Flowers by Dorcas is also known for its one-of-a-kind designs, courtesy of his wife.

"Our designs are very unique,' he says. "We're not like some wire service where you order something from a book.'

Although the shop was a familiar fixture downtown for more than six decades, Watzig says moving to the bustling Hollywood District was an opportunity not to be missed. Not only is there plenty of free parking and convenient access for deliveries, but the area has become livelier in recent years with new restaurants, shops and condominiums.

Throw in the fact that the Watzigs live in the nearby Roseway neighborhood and that loyal customers have followed the business across the river, and it's clear that Flowers by Dorcas has found itself a new home.

"It's vibrant here, it's neat and the logistics are a lot better for our business,' Gerhard says. "We've had people from the neighborhood come in and welcome us and tell us that we're adding to the character of the neighborhood. It's really working out well.'