When our very own John Carter, president and CEO of Jack Lewis Jewelers in Bloomington, Ill., raised the most money in a contest sponsored by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the prize was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to act as “celebrity conductor” for an audience of 500.
An aerial view of the new Jack Lewis Jewelers location at 3011 Galena Road, near Biaggi’s and Ancho & Agave on Bloomingon’s east side.
The project will be designed locally by Kyle Glandon and Paul Scharnett at Hewn Architectural Studio (the new entity formed at the start of 2024 by the merger of Workbench and SAA), and be built locally by Catalyst Construction, led by the team of Andy Kaufmann, Britt Steffen, and Josiah Koch.
It was an honor to have a crowd of family, friends, and colleagues join us for the celebration.
Flanked by co-owner Missy Ranney and wife Ketti, John Carter kicks-off the ceremony with opening remarks.
Father Schultz from St. Patrick Catholic Church of Merna leads the group in prayer before blessing the ground.
L to R, Seth & Missy Ranney, and John & Ketti Carter officially break ground at the site of the new Jack Lewis Jewelers on June 13, 2024.
The Ranneys and Carters officially throw the first dirt.
Jack Lewis Jewelers owners Missy Ranney and John Carter pose at the Groundbreaking Ceremony.
An aerial view of the crowd arriving.
The new store will be designed locally by Kyle Glandon and Paul Scharnett at Hewn Architectural Studio. We’ll be sharing the renderings in the months to come.
The new store will be built locally by Catalyst Construction under the direction of project superintendent Josiah Koch.
Carter welcomes the crowd to the Groundbreaking Ceremony.
Carter makes remarks during the Groundbreaking Ceremony.
Carter makes remarks during the Groundbreaking Ceremony.
John Carter and wife Ketti during the opening remarks at the Groundbreaking Ceremony.
Father Schultz leads the crowd in a blessing of the new ground.
John Carter and wife Ketti pause for a moment of prayer during the blessing.
Missy Ranney and John & Ketti Carter prepare to throw dirt.
The project team includes Paul Scharnett of Hewn Architectural Studio (far left) and Josiah Koch of Catalyst Construction (4th from right).
