A new business is about to bloom this spring in downtown Springfield. Bloom Wine Bar & Florals will be opening at 2 S. Old State Capitol Plaza offering wine, craft cocktails and beer, along with floral services and a space for private events.

Brittney Robinson, Hannah Goss and Caitlin Becker are the three ladies behind the new venture. “We became friends eight or nine years ago, and all of our husbands are friends,” said Robinson. “Hannah and Caty went to high school together.”

Robinson said the focus was initially on an event-planning businesses, since she and Goss already had experience helping out with weddings and other events. “Once we started brainstorming, we decided to open a wine bar but also use the space to do private event rentals – the best of both worlds.”

Robinson said the business will also offer build-your-own floral arrangements and classes for those who want to learn the basics of floral arranging, in addition to pre-arranged florals and custom services for special events.

The 1,600-square-foot space was most recently used as a campaign office and was previously a retail location for a T-shirt company. “There’s not a lot of major renovation to do; we’re painting and putting our furniture in there,” said Robinson. “We do have to make a kitchenette in the basement since we’ll be offering appetizers and charcuterie.”

The goal is to be open by early April, and while exact hours of operation have not been finalized, Robinson said, “All three of us still have full-time jobs; this is a night and weekend adventure. We’re ecstatic to bring our vision to life and open our doors in the spring.”