Warehouse 55 will celebrate its fifth anniversary in downtown Aurora with a special event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, officials with the business said.
Warehouse 55, at 55 S. Lake St. in Aurora, is a two-story showroom filled with vintage and antique items. It opened to the public in September 2019.
Owner Mark Allen stumbled upon the historic building and quickly shared his dream with fellow industry peer Mindy Schloss, manager of Warehouse 55, according to a press release.
Allen and Schloss had both achieved success in the world of antique markets as well as running their own stores, according to the release. Schloss said they had wondered what they would do next in the vintage realm.
Schloss said, “It was the right time, and the right place,” concerning the creation of Warehouse 55.
The duo quickly got to work securing vendors that they knew from the business, and started with 30 vendors on the first floor. They later opened up the second floor adding additional vendors, and Schloss said they have consistently maintained about 50 vendors at the site.
Vendors sell a mix of vintage items, antiques, collectibles, retro and repurposed furnishings, clothing and new home decor. Some vendors specialize in mid-century or Hollywood regency, while others curate vintage, stylized collections, according to the release.
During the five years that Warehouse 55 has been open, the store has expanded to include a florist on the second floor, and the owners opened up a second, boutique location in Chicago.
The public is invited to stop by the free anniversary celebration on Saturday and have chances to win raffle baskets filled with local prizes, according to the release. Food vendors will be part of the day and will include Serna’s Grill, Turn Lemons and Polly Ann Cakes.
For more information on the event or the store, go to warehouse55.shop.
