Revitalization of Antique Commerce in Brookfield

When the Jackson Square Antique Mall in La Grange closed last summer, antique dealers were left searching for new venues. Some moved to the La Grange Park Antique Mall on 31st St., only for that store to shut unexpectedly. Finally, several found a new home at 31st Street Antiques in Brookfield, located at 9046 31st St., across the railroad tracks.

The new owners of 31st Street Antiques are Todd Soliday, Kim Crivello, and Kathy DiModica. They collaborated with Nancy Lisowski, the former operator of La Grange Park Antiques. Kathy DiModica, one of the owners, is seen holding the store mascot, Tilly, at the vendor mall. Todd Soliday commented, “She was stepping down; she was going to be retiring,” speaking of Lisowski. This transition inspired Soliday and the others to consider starting a new venture. Soliday, with a real estate background, began researching commercial properties, leading to this new opportunity. Kim Crivello, who had worked at Vintage Design Mart, played a crucial role in organizing the project.

31st Street Antiques has attracted 32 vendors who pay rent and a 15% commission on sales. The store’s opening last month followed significant effort, with Crivello’s husband handling all the electrical work and the owners completing interior refurbishments without contractors. Soliday and Crivello also have displays at the store; Soliday’s booth, Antiques Rewound, and Crivello’s display, Pretty Creepy Things, which includes medical oddities like a human skull.

Lisowski, connected with the local community through her Budget Box resale store, has supported the new venture. Her store, operating since 1952, now funds BEDS Plus, a nonprofit aiding the unhoused and those struggling with housing. Despite Budget Box’s new charitable role, Lisowski reassured customers that the merchandise quality remains unchanged.

Lisowski also maintains a small resale space at 31st Street, emphasizing the cooperative nature of the new business. Reflecting on the new operation, she remarked, “This is dealer bought and dealer run.”

Among the vendors, Wendi’s World, run by Wendi Kunz, specializes in midcentury modern glass. Kunz’s passion for glass began with a LE Smith vase from Woolworths, fondly remembered from her childhood. Her grandmother managed the store and treasured the vase, instilling a lifelong appreciation in Kunz. She has amassed over 500 vases in her home over 20 years.

Another vendor, Ellen Vanderhoof, offers a diverse range of items through her booth, Eclectic Deja Vu. Vanderhoof described her inventory as including ethnic and vintage items, along with smaller items like purses and jewelry.

Hank Beckman, a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press, provided coverage for the opening of 31st Street Antiques.