Lucy's Shackedelic Coffee Brews

Bill Harper ran a quaint bait and boat rental shop out of an old, weather-worn shack at East Pier No. 5. The shack, once painted a faded red and grey, had seen countless seasons of sun, salt, and storms—each weathered mark telling its own story of the years Bill served his community. By 2016 or 2017, Bill decided to retire from the bait business, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave the shack he had called home for so long.

Tucked inside, the downstairs featured a snug little kitchen with just enough room for a stove, a sink, and a tiny table where Bill still enjoyed his morning coffee. Upstairs, in his cozy living space, shelves were filled with vinyl records and five well-loved guitars, each one ready to play a tune on a quiet evening.

When Bill heard that his cousin Lucy dreamed of opening a coffee shop, he saw the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into the old shack while still holding onto the memories he cherished. With a heart full of warmth and nostalgia, he offered Lucy the space where he’d spent so many years running his bait shop. Lucy, with her creative flair, embraced the chance to infuse the place with her own personality. She painted over the drab grey with a soft, faded pink, creating a charming, welcoming haven. The dark red, a beloved remnant of Bill’s past, was left untouched, preserving the heart of the old bait shop. Lucy also gave the coffee shop area a rich, inviting brown, echoing the warmth of her coffee brews, while Bill added extra windows to flood the space with natural light.

Lucy named her coffee shop Lucy’s Shackedelic Coffee Brews, a fun, lively name that reflected both her vision and the shack’s history. She chose vibrant yellow as her signature color, and her sunny yellow mugs quickly became as iconic as the red cups Bill once used for bait. The cozy shop had just enough room for a gleaming espresso machine and Lucy’s array of special blends, which filled the air with the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Her menu was full of creative twists on classic favorites. There was the “Pier-Side Frappe,” an iced coffee with a hint of sea salt and caramel, and the “Dockside Dream,” a velvety espresso with vanilla cream and cinnamon. But it was the “Shackedelic Swirl” that really stole the show—a layered creation of cold brew, coconut milk, and chocolate, always Instagram-worthy before the first sip.

Outside, Lucy turned the pier into a welcoming retreat with crisp white furniture and bright yellow umbrellas offering shade. She even added a vending machine where people could grab iced coffee when the shop was closed, ensuring Lucy’s brews were always within reach.

What few people realize is that Bill still lives in the shack. Though he handed the shop over to Lucy, Bill never left. His kitchen remains downstairs, where he sometimes helps Lucy when things get busy, and upstairs is still his private retreat. After a busy morning helping out, Bill often retreats to his cozy living space, strumming one of his guitars or listening to his vinyl collection. The shack may have transformed into a vibrant coffee shop, but for Bill, it’s still the place he calls home.

One sunny afternoon, Mr. Benson, an old regular, strolled by the pier and smiled as he took in the sight of the new shop. “Well, if it isn’t Lucy’s place,” he said, leaning on the counter. “Never thought I’d see the old shack turned into something like this. Your coffee’s got the whole pier talking.”

Lucy handed him a steaming yellow mug. “Thanks, Mr. Benson. It’s been great seeing so many familiar faces. I hope you enjoy the coffee.” Mr. Benson took a sip and nodded. “It’s like a little piece of the past with a fresh twist. Bill’s old place never looked better.”

Lucy smiled as she watched Mr. Benson head off to his favorite spot by the water. The transformation of the shack wasn’t just a new business venture—it was a tribute to the past and a bright promise for the future. As the sun set over the pier, casting a golden glow over the yellow umbrellas and cozy white furniture, Lucy’s Shackedelic Coffee Brews buzzed with life, filled with laughter and the comforting aroma of coffee. It was more than just a new chapter; it was a continuation of a beloved story, with Bill still at the heart of it all.

After the success of my Bob's Old Tug Boat project reaching 10K votes, I felt it was the perfect time to revive another one of my earlier LEGO Ideas—Harper’s Bait Shop, originally submitted in 2016. This time, I’ve completely reimagined it. The model now has a full interior, a lowered pier, and the original grey has been replaced with a warm, soft pink to evoke the cozy glow of sunset evenings. While the old bait shop has transformed into a vibrant coffee shop (though I’ve toyed with turning it into an ice cream parlor!), I’ve kept the shack’s unique shape exactly the same. And of course, I stayed within the 3,000-piece limit, clocking in at 2,990 bricks.

To ensure this set stands out from the Old Fishing Store, I swapped my initial light aqua and brown palette for pink and brown, giving it a fresh, inviting feel while staying distinctly different from the Old Fishing Store colors.

This model fits seamlessly in a lakeside setting alongside the A-Frame Cabin, adding a cozy holiday vibe. Or, you can combine it with the Old Fishing Store and Motorized Lighthouse for the ultimate shoreline scene. You could even dock the iconic JAWS boat at the pier—because, let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a coffee after surviving a shark encounter?

With its unique charm and character, this model is the perfect addition to any LEGO city, guaranteed to bring warmth and personality to your display.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Bill Harper, Lucy, and her famous yellow coffee cups! If this project has caught your interest, please hit that support button. Every vote helps bring this charming scene to life!