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CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

5/28/2004 3:22:00 PM

5/28/04 Chicago Sun Times

Chicago Antique Markets

BY SARA FIEDELHOLTZ Staff Reporter

London has Portobello Road. Paris has Clignancourt. New York has Chelsea. And now, Chicago has its very own antique and flea market.

Starting on Sunday and continuing on the last Sunday of each month through Oct. 31, the Antique Market on west Randolph Street will create an urban bazaar.

"We wanted to give the city a marketplace. People shouldn't have to drive two hours to a cornfield to buy antiques," says Sally Schwartz, co-founder of the market.

Ten years ago, Schwartz produced three large Chicago Chic and Collectible festivals. Although the events were successful and popular, Schwartz could not continue producing the festivals because the vacant lot she used was developed into multi-use buildings.

Schwartz says it took 10 years to bring back the market because it took that long to find the right location. The new market will be held at the 1300 block of West Randolph Street (between Ada and Ogden), the city's West Loop market district.

"The Randolph location is great because it is a large street and the area is being used for its original purpose -- a market," she adds.

Rain or shine, each month more than 100 dealers of furnishings, housewares, artifacts, vintage clothing and collectibles will take over the street with their wares. In addition to the outdoor dealers, there will be more than 60 dealers showcased inside Hoops, 1380 W. Randolph.

Amenities will include free parking at the Plumber's Hall parking lot (entrance on Washington between Ada and Ogden), an on-the-spot ATM, free trolley rides from Michigan Avenue, a fee-based home delivery service and on-the-spot wrapping, packing and shipping of purchased goods.

In addition each month's market features a different collecting theme, and an on-site professional appraiser to give value to items in the selected collecting genre.

For the May market, the theme is Garden Party. In addition to their regular wares, dealers are encouraged to bring special offerings including ornamental furniture, backyard games, vintage clothing and other objects that are centered around the outdoors and entertaining.

"What is old is new again. People are searching for things that were created at a time when much less was produced and objects were produced with much more care and artistry," says co-founder Kathleen Finley.

For those who want to get a head start on their search for the perfect lunch box, architectural artifact, watch or fine piece of furniture, the market will offer Early Buying Preview, starting at 8 a.m. for $35.

Subsequent Chicago Antique Markets will be held June 27, July 25, Aug. 29, Sept. 26 and Oct. 31.

CHICAGO ANTIQUE MARKET

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Last Sunday of each month

1300 block of Randolph Street (between Ada and Ogden)

Admission, $8 for adults; free for children under 12

(312) 951-9939; www.chicagoantiquemarket.com