Last summer, the closure of the Jackson Square Antique Mall in La Grange disrupted many antique vendors, forcing them to seek new locations. Some relocated to the La Grange Park Antique Mall but faced another closure. Fortunately, a new opportunity emerged at 31st Street Antiques located at 9046 31st St. in Brookfield.
The new owners of 31st Street Antiques, Todd Soliday, Kim Crivello, and Kathy DiModica, joined forces with Nancy Lisowski. Lisowski had managed La Grange Park Antiques for four years before retiring, prompting Soliday and his team to create a new venture. Soliday had experience in real estate and saw potential for a new business venture. Crivello, with a background at Vintage Design Mart, organized the transitioning effort.
Currently, 31st Street Antiques hosts 32 vendors. These vendors pay rent and a 15% commission on their sales. The store, opening in late last month, benefited from substantial personal efforts. Crivello’s husband undertook all electrical work, and the owners handled interior renovations themselves.
Among the displays at 31st Street are Antiques Rewound and Pretty Creepy Things, curated by owners Soliday and Crivello, respectively. Antiques Rewound features Todd Soliday’s antique collection, while Pretty Creepy Things focuses on medical oddities, including a human skull.
Lisowski also contributed to the store’s establishment, adding her Budget Box resale store’s initiative to raise funds for BEDS Plus, a nonprofit aiding the unhoused in La Grange. Lisowski emphasized that the quality of items remains unchanged, with proceeds now benefitting BEDS Plus.
The cooperative nature of 31st Street involves multiple contributors. One such vendor, Wendi Kunz, operates Wendi’s World, specializing in midcentury modern glass inspired by her grandmother’s interests. Kunz has accumulated over 500 vintage vases, showcasing her passion for the medium.
Another vendor, Ellen Vanderhoof, manages Eclectic Deja Vu, offering an assortment of ethnic items, vintage purses, and jewelry in her display.