Rose Cottage to hold grand opening Feb. 11

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Elizabeth King’s “Rose Cottage” will kick off its grand opening on Feb. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. with a 1920’s theme open house. 

The bed and breakfast business resides at 303 E. Tenth St. in the Kings’ home. King welcomes everyone to stop by to see the renovations and enjoy snacks. Visitors are encouraged, but not required, to dress in 1920’s style clothing. 

They have partnered with In the Spotlight Costume Shoppe in Pierce, which may provide on-theme costumes for a rental fee. To contact the shop, call (402) 929-0543. 

King explained the business had a “soft opening” at the beginning of the new year, with a few patrons staying occasionally. Through this, they fine-tuned all elements, wanting to “get it 100% right.” 

She also pulled from her previous experience of owning and operating a bed and breakfast known as “Lizzie’s Boarding House” in the late 90s and early 2000s.  

“When people leave our establishment, we want them to remember they were comfortable, spoiled, pampered and had a top-notch breakfast,” King said. “It would be great to see people return and recommend us to their friends and family.” 

The business advertises three bedrooms which comfortably sleep eight. Bedroom one has two full beds, bedroom two has a queen bed and bedroom three, the suite, features a king-sized bed, a full sofa and a sitting room. 

The home, a 1927 build affectionately known as “The Brick” to many, was constructed by Edverd James Huntemer, an architect who oversaw the planning of many notable buildings on the WSC campus and outside in the community.  

According to the Nebraska State Historical Society, Huntemer sketched the plans for the Carhart Science building, the old administration buildings, the football stadium and the island of the Willow Bowl.  

Outside of the campus, the architect designed the plans for the original Wayne Public Library, the Wayne Hospital, the Wayne Herald newspaper building and more. 

This home served as a base for Wayne State College Greek life including Chi Omega, which King held membership in, Theta Phi Alpha and Tau Kappa Epsilon. In the 1970s, King lived in the house, making her homecoming to the Wayne community all the more special. 

“As an alumni and former resident of Wayne, I am overjoyed to be back in the community,” King said. “It feels so good to see old friends. Starting the business and being around friends and family has been a double blessing.” 

Inspired by the house’s original design, the Kings have implemented 1920s-appropriate lighting, paint, doors, antique furniture and a few especially personal touches including three stained glass windows.  

For one of the windows, the pair traveled to Independence, Missouri. King said they would not have traveled so far if the design did not fit so perfectly. The intricate, colorful fragments come together to form a nine-petal mackintosh rose, reflecting the cottage’s logo.  

The other two stained glass pieces come from two churches, one where her parents married and one where her grandparents married.   

Though the Kings have poured countless hours into renovations, they have kept original arched door frames, oak floors and built-in oak cabinetry. 

“I have such a love for antiques and history,” King said. “Most of the pieces I have collected throughout the years, and I feel excited to be able to showcase them.” 

The Rose Cottage will also host Chamber Coffee on Feb. 24 at 10:00 a.m. King said she feels excited to operate alongside other Wayne businesses. With a great place to stay, people will come back to the area, putting their money into restaurants and stores downtown, King said.  

“We feel incredibly thrilled to be a part of the chamber and a segment of the Wayne community,” King said. “I hope everyone has the chance to stop by and see our business, which will hopefully welcome others to Wayne as we have been welcomed back.”