Sybil and Bill Godwin, owners of Shain Gallery in Myers Park, purchase Paper Skyscraper in Dilworth

“We do not plan on making any changes, we love this store exactly the way it is,” Sybil told the Agenda. “Bill and I learned that Ron and Tim (previous owners) were ready to retire several months back. We have loved this store for what feels like our whole lives, so we felt like we wanted to be the ones to take over. We consider this a Charlotte institution — and we are keeping the torch burning.”

Background: Paper Skyscraper opened 30 years ago as a tiny shop selling architecture books. It’s now a 5,000-square-foot nationally recognized gift shop offering a carefully curated assortment of books, one-of-a-kind gifts, candles, games and greeting card. “Paper Skyscraper is very much our baby,” said co-founder Ron Wooten. “We have become friends with Bill and Sybil and are confident that our shop is in great hands.”

Transition: In a statement Sybil and Bill shared that they plan on “working closely with Paper Skyscraper’s founders, Tim Hamilton and Ron Wooten, to transition to new ownership without disrupting the distinct culture of the shop.“We are invested and interested in making sure the transition is smooth and successful for everyone,” said Tim.

Agenda related guide: 10 best places to buy art in Charlotte

Why it matters: Sybil and Bill are young smart business owners. Shain Gallery and Paper Skyscraper are excellent complements to each other, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this husband-and-wife continue to expand with new concepts or acquisitions in Charlotte.