An iconic Hill Country storefront will soon return to its general store roots. H.D. Gruene Mercantile Store is targeting a February 18 opening at 1607 Hunter Rd. in New Braunfels’ historic district.The project comes from Gruene Hall ‘s owners, the Molak Corporation, who own the landmark building . The hospitality group made way for the new shop by closing the Gruene Antique Company, a 39-year-old favorite for sourcing unique vintage finds.Once open, the two-story brick building, built in 1904, will no doubt still be a popular shopping destination. The new incarnation will carry home decor, clothing, and gifts with a focus on Texas-made goods — a return to when the site sold “everything from cheese to farm implements.”“After prolonged consideration, we are excited to return the building to its former glory as a mercantile store," said Susie Molak, wife of the late founder Pat Molak, in an earlier press release. "We aim to preserve the legacy of Gruene while looking intentionally to the future, and we believe this shift will highlight the history of this iconic location."This isn't the first time the building has seen a chance. Gruene Mercantile (known briefly as Gruene Brothers Store) shuttered in 1938 at the tail-end of the Great Depression, becoming saddle tree manufacturer Hadlock Fox. Gruene Antique Company first debuted in 1986.Aside from Gruene Hall and H.D. Gruene Mercantile Store, the family-owned Molak Corporation owns several popular concepts in New Braunfels, including Gristmill River Restaurant, Cantina del Rio, and Mozie's. In San Antonio, the company also owns Down on Grayson and Josephine Street near Pearl. ...read more read less