Last summer, the closure of the Jackson Square Antique Mall in La Grange left many antique dealers searching for new venues. Some relocated to the La Grange Park Antique Mall, but it too closed unexpectedly. Eventually, many found refuge at 31st Street Antiques in Brookfield, located at 9046 31st St., just across the railroad tracks.
The new owners of 31st Street Antiques, Todd Soliday, Kim Crivello, and Kathy DiModica, collaborated with Nancy Lisowski, previously in charge of La Grange Park Antiques. Lisowski had planned to retire, providing Soliday and his partners the inspiration to begin this new business venture.
“She was stepping down, and she was going to be retiring,” Soliday said of Lisowski. “That gave us the idea we might start a whole new business.”
Soliday’s real estate experience led him to explore commercial opportunities. As the plan took shape, Kim Crivello joined, bringing her experience from Vintage Design Mart. The venture now supports 32 antique vendors, who rent spaces and pay a 15% commission on sales.
The 31st Street Antiques store launched last month, following substantial efforts from the owners. Crivello’s husband managed the store’s electrical work, while the owners handled interior improvements personally, avoiding hiring contractors. Soliday and Crivello also have their own displays, with Soliday’s booth named Antiques Rewound and Crivello’s called Pretty Creepy Things, highlighting medical oddities.
Nancy Lisowski remains involved, contributing to the setup. Her Budget Box resale store in La Grange Park, running since 1952, now supports BEDS Plus, a nonprofit aiding the unhoused. Lisowski assured customers of the continued quality of her merchandise, reaffirming that all proceeds benefit BEDS Plus.
“By purchasing the items they’ve been purchasing for the last 40 years, it’s the exact same quality of products,” Lisowski said. “But now 100% of it is to help BEDS Plus.”
Lisowski emphasized the cooperative nature of the new business, noting, “This is dealer bought and dealer run.”
Wendi Kunz of Wendi’s World is a new vendor at 31st Street, specializing in midcentury modern glass inspired by her grandmother’s work at Woolworths. Kunz’s passion for vintage glass, particularly vases, began with a single cherished vase from her childhood.
“My grandma had a glass vase, one glass vase when I was a kid,” Kunz shared. “I loved that vase.” Her collection now includes over 500 vases.
Another vendor, Ellen Vanderhoof, approaches her offerings with variety at her Eclectic Deja Vu booth. Her items range from ethnic pieces to vintage purses and jewelry, catering to diverse tastes.
Hank Beckman reports for Pioneer Press.