Longtime Cedar Rapids business Phelan’s Interiors leaving retail sector, closing downtown store

Update: Phelan’s showroom is closed to reprice inventory and will reopen April 1 to sell its remaining inventory. A previous version of this story had the incorrect closing date.

CEDAR RAPIDS — Phelan’s Interiors — a business that was stared 84 years ago in Cedar Rapids as a paint supply for retail and lumber yards — announced Wednesday it will exit the retail sector.

“Residential trends have been shifting for many years, and as that market continues to evolve, Phelan’s has made the decision to focus solely on corporate design — our strongest and fastest growing niche,” the company said in a news release.

The company said it will focus on health care, retirement communities, hospitality and retail for corporate-environments projects.

Phelan’s showroom is closed to reprice inventory and will reopen April 1. It said it has nearly $1 million worth of inventory to sell by then and will be accepting orders.

Its corporate headquarters will remain at 728 Third Ave. SE, the same location as its retail showroom.

Paul Phelan Sr. acquired Cedar Rapids Paint in the early 1960s from his father-in-law, Charles Schwinn, according to the company.

Its name was changed to Phelan’s Interiors in 1982 when it moved to its current Third Avenue SE location. Phelan’s Corporate Interiors was established in 1985.

Paul Phelan Jr. is CEO and president.