Plans developing as Crown Point’s Antique Mall is soon to close
Beginning in June and over the following several months things are going to get pretty dramatic at the three-story building in the southwest corner of Crown Point’s downtown square.
A complete renovation will be underway after the 32-year occupant Antique Mall closes at the end of the month.
“We are going to put a lot of men and equipment thrown at this project and we are hoping to move fairly quickly,” said building owner Randy Sekerez.
Sekerez is evaluating several options for use of the building once renovations are complete. They include bringing back an upscale version of the Antique Mall as well as other uses.
“We get calls all the time,” Sekerez said. “People are always calling us making different inquiries about different types of busi
nesses that can go there. But our focus now is on renovation.”
But first the entire building has to be vacated as the 80 vendors inside will begin closing out their businesses. The project entails renovating the exterior masonry, storefront glass, windows, signs and cornice trim that tops the building. Extensive interior updates will occur as well.
Sekerez said the plan is to preserve as many of the historical features of the building as possible.
“The end result is going to be something special,” he said.
The structure was actually at one time three different buildings that were combined into one use. However, Sekerez said it would be pretty simple to make it three separate buildings again because there are three different electrical, plumbing and air-conditioning systems as well as a firewall that divides the buildings.
“We are exploring all options,” Sekerez said.
The middle of the three buildings was built in 1873 and home to Cheshire Hall, named after its builder W.W. Cheshire. It hosted lectures, concerts and plays with speakers that included Susan B. Anthony, according to Sekerez. A piece of limestone above the door reads “Cheshire Hall 1873.”
Sekerez will have to go before the city’s Historic Preservation Commission and present his plans for the outside of building and have them approved.
“It is a pretty prominent building,” Brad Miller, director of Indiana Landmarks Northwest Field Office, said. “One of the earliest buildings still standing in the square.”
Miller said collectively it is a great example of commercial Italian architecture.
As far as the use, Miller said there have been an influx of restaurants already in the square and pushback has come from some community members who would like to keep the Antique Mall.
“Hopefully they can find a balance,” Miller said.
Crown Point Mayor David Uran said the city is excited that Sekerez will be reinvesting and remodeling the building.
“We are confident that once completed – this location will bring additional added value and charm to our downtown as well as keeping with the historical standards that has been established by our Historical Preservation Commission and the other major investments made by the other business owners on the square,” he said.
Uran said belief is once the final product is completed the building will be offer complimenting services to enhance and support an already vibrant downtown business district.
“It could be retail, office space, studio living options, and obviously the return to the vintage antique market,” he said. “With this large of a square foot building and prominent location, Mr. Sekerez has an open canvas to be really creative and provide quality choices to our community.”
Carrie Napoleon, managing director of the Lake Court House Foundation, which operates the historic Lake County courthouse just across the street, said it is sad to see the Antique Mall closing.
“The different antique and specialty shops on the square and in the lower level Courthouse Shops have for a long time been a draw bringing in people to downtown Crown Point,” she said. “We are hopeful that will continue. It is nice to see the different building owners on the square investing money to upgrade and improve their buildings.
“In the long run, I think that will prove to be a positive for the remaining shops and businesses in the downtown Historic District.”
Dan Rohaley, who sits on the city’s plan commission, board of zoning appeals and Historic Preservation Committee, said there is excitement to see what is in store for the site.
“We will work tirelessly with the owner to feel the positive effects of renovations and restoration of such a historic structure, “he said.