Former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose opens flower shop for 1 day only downtown

CHICAGO (WLS) -- There was a long line before former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose's one-day pop-up flower shop opened Thursday afternoon.

Rose's Flower Shop was open at Tortoise Supper Club downtown.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The line started Wednesday night, and, by morning, hundreds of people were wrapped around the block, from State Street to Kinzie Street to Dearborn Street.

RELATED: 'From Chicagoooo': Why the Bulls value bringing in hometown players

Rose posted a series of photos and videos on Instagram advertising the shop.

People could have a bouquet delivered to anyone in a 15-mile radius.

The free flowers were appreciated, but the real draw was a chance to see Rose. Each person had a photo opportunity with him.

Larry Taylor came Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m.

"He brought so much love to the game of basketball, and made it fun and made it easy to watch," Taylor said.

Another couple drove down from Milwaukee to get in line at 5 a.m.

"Derrick Rose is a big inspiration, especially because I'm a teacher, and my kids really connect with him, being here for them and getting to work on Monday and being able to brag ... will be great," Keyla Rodriguez said.

Stevie Smith came with his grandson, who is a big fan, and got his photo with Rose.

"It's his way of giving back to the community. I mean, Derrick Rose is Chicago through and through, and you can see it with everything he does. And I think it's incredible what he's doing," Adolfo Rodriguez said.

Avery Brito, 9, was sporting a new Christmas present, which honors Rose's start locally at Simeon High School.

"That's where it all started. Me being a big fan, I've been showing him a lot of highlights since he was young, and he's a big Derrick Rose fan," Juan Brito said.

John Caleb Pendleton is the local floral designer who provided the flowers.

"I love the idea of giving people flowers, but doing it in such a grand meaningful way. It takes a special person to believe in the vision and also fund it," said Pendleton, with Planks & Pistils Design Studios.

The event comes as the Chicago Bulls prepare to honor Rose's retirement on Saturday night at the United Center at the team's game against the New York Knicks.

The pop-up shop was also in advance of the screening of Rose's documentary Thursday evening, "Becoming a Rose."