Wally's Frozen Custard will have a new home soon at a vacant parcel at Elizabeth and Harper in St. Clair Shores.

Wally's bright yellow building has beckoned families, sports teams and those seeking a frozen treat to the custard shop on Harper, in Harper Woods, since 1947.

St. Clair Shores residents Matt and Eliza Ahearn have owned Wally's for the past nine years and have  expanded offerings to include custard pies and catering. This has caused their business to outgrow its current location and look for a new home.

After an extensive search, the couple decided to build a new Wally's in their hometown.

"It is a real hard decision to make," said Matt Ahearn, a former St. Clair Shores city councilman, of the difficult decision to move. "We have outgrown the building."

The Ahearns will be moving Wally's from its current 700-square-foot location, with limited parking, to a 2,600 square foot building with ample parking and access from Harper.

They hope to break ground on the new building this spring, and open later this summer. The old location will stay open until just before the move.

"We are going to close the old store, and one week later, open the new store," said Eliza Ahearn.

The new building will feature the old-time, walk-up feature of the current location, but will have more outdoor seating area than the Harper Woods site. It will also feature a drive-thu window for frozen treats and items from an expanded menu.

Eliza Ahearn said the couple will open early to offer coffee, tea, hot chocolate, bagels and other items from they featured at The Galley Cafe, which they formerly operated at the St. Clair Shores Library.

Additionally they will have a production area for their pies, which are sold in nine restaurants including Rojo Mexican Bistro and Fishbone's. They hope local supermarkets will carry them, as well.

The new building will have a fire station theme and a bay for Wally's fire truck, which is used for catering events.

"It will be an experience," said Matt Ahearn. "What kid wouldin't want to eat ice cream at a fire station?"