by Pat Sherman
SDUN Assistant Editor

After five years in North Park, popular boutique Kate Ross will close its doors in mid-May.
Owner Kate Ross opened shop east of 30th Street on University Avenue just as the neighborhood’s revitalization was taking off.

Ross said the lease on her space is expiring and she has decided to spend more time with her young daughter, Sophia.

“I didn’t realize the scope of having 2-year-old” and running a store, the 30-something entrepreneur and North Park resident said.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” Ross added. “The neighborhood’s changed so much in the last five years. It’s become more of a community. There’s a lot of small businesses that have opened up that are really successful. It’s just turned into a really welcoming area.”

Three years ago, Ross opened a second store, around the corner on 30th Street. She shared that space with Pigment, an art and home accessories store that remained after Ross pulled out last year.

“It was a pleasure working with her,” Pigment Co-owner Chad Anglin said. “It’s a shame she’s going out of business. … I think it’s a really big loss for the neighborhood.”

Ross said she hopes to open shop again in North Park sometime in the future.

“I have some ideas but I haven’t decided on anything yet,” she said. “I’m still going to be part of the community. It’s by far one of my favorite neighborhoods in San Diego.”