How The Collaborative Came to Be

The Collaborative is proud to call the historic 420 Building on Main Street in Clare, Michigan, home. Built in 1870, and the addition in 1903, this beautiful structure is one of the original landmarks in downtown Clare. At the time of its construction, it was part of what was known as “The Bicknell Block”—a development that nearly spanned an entire city block and helped shape Clare’s early downtown identity.

The Beginning: Wm. H. Bicknell & Co. The building’s first tenant was the Wm. H. Bicknell & Co. Department Store, founded by Nathan Bicknell, a pioneer in Central Michigan’s business community. Known for his vision and entrepreneurial spirit, Bicknell grew the store into one of the region’s premier destinations for general merchandise. For decades, it was more than a store—it was a gathering place, a symbol of progress, and a cornerstone of local commerce.

Allen’s & Bell’s: the place for fancy clothes in later decades, the building became home to Allen’s & Bell’s Department Store, which quickly became a fixture in the lives of Clare families. To a child’s eyes, it was the place for all the “fancy clothes”—a store that felt a little more special, a little more glamorous, than the everyday. As the years went on, Allen’s & Bell’s also became the go-to destination for tuxedo rentals, outfitting countless young people for proms, homecomings, and local weddings. For generations, it was not just a department store but a place woven into the milestones of small-town life.

After Allen’s & Bell’s closed its doors, the building continued to evolve, housing a variety of local businesses over the years. Each one has contributed to the building’s long legacy of supporting Clare’s community and economy.  Today, restored and reimagined, the 418/420 building continues its legacy of fostering business and community. As the home of The Collaborative at Cardinal & Clover, it brings together boutiques, salons, wellness providers, and creative entrepreneurs under one roof, keeping alive the tradition of innovation and connection that began more than a century ago. The history of the building is more than just a story about bricks and mortar, it’s a story about people, vision, and the enduring spirit of Main Street Clare.