History of Antiques Iowa
So how does this story start? Oh yeah, once upon a time almost 30 years ago, there was this building on Interstate 35 for sale. What an ideal location for an antique mall! Not to be as the bank already had a handshake agreement with another company. Fast forward twenty plus years and guess what? The same building is for sale. Again, I make an offer, but Economic Development was looking for manufacturing and not an antique mall. Disappointed that they couldn’t see my vision, I opened my small antique shop (Fairview Station) downtown. Two years later they came to me! With mold growing up the walls, would I now like to buy the building? Have you ever read the book “If You Hear the Message Three Times, Listen” by Patricia Heller? If God brings you to “it” three times then it is meant to be! My kids were older, my responsibilities had changed, I was much more experienced in antique malls what I liked and disliked, and I was looking for a career change. Thank you God!
My husband and I bought the building on March 1, 2004. We hired some great high school students to stand on scaffolding and use bleach and brooms to wash everything – ceilings, fixtures, walls and floors. We repainted and put in AIR CONDITIONING and carpet. We split the rooms into booths and opened for business on May 20th, 2004. As I was trying to decide on a name I attended a promotions meeting for Story City. There was a guest speaker who talked about “themeing” Story City around its 1913 Hershel Spellman Antique Carousel - like Pella themes around its Dutch heritage and tulip festival. Story City had Carousel Lanes, Carousel Computers and a consignment store called “Second Time Around” so now there would be a Carousel Antique Mall (CAM). Business was good and CAM expanded from 10,000 sq. ft. to 12,400 sq. ft. in June, 2006.
July 1st, 2009, we added an additional 3000 sq. ft. We also got our long awaited internet site. And after 5 years in business, we decided to change the name to Antiques Iowa. It is simple and says who we are. Don’t worry; we are still only half the size of our Des Moines competition.
Here at Antiques Iowa, we have the same owner (me), same staff and same values. We just add a few dealers who have been waiting a long time to get space. I am always looking for what is next for us so we can be the best in Iowa. In business, there is no staying constant. This fall we will be adding a concrete parking lot and another addition which can hold future dealers or maybe consignment pieces.
Antiques Iowa is win-win partnership, “One for all and all for one!” We are small (approx. 95 dealers), but great. We have enough diversity in collectibles, vintage and true antiques that we have something for everyone. I am proud to say that Antiques Iowa has evolved into a fun, friendly, caring environment for both dealers and customers. So, keep in touch and see where we go from here!
Kim Hermanson
Owner and Manager