High-end antique gallery expanding downtown
High-end antique gallery expanding downtown
Lucy Berry[email protected]
A well-known antique dealer is moving his business this spring to a new spot in downtown Huntsville.
Rivenbark and Roper Antiques, an antique gallery owned by Ken Rivenbark, will open in early April on 313 Jefferson St. between Randy Roper Interiors and Railroad Station Antiques. The store specializes in 18th to early 20th century antiques, silver, Chinese and Japanese export porcelains,and original art from around the world.
The creator and host of the cable television show “Southern Heirlooms with Ken Rivenbark” said he has always wanted to operate his store in downtown Huntsville.
After more than a decade on Bob Wallace Avenue, he is finally realizing his dream.
Rivenbark, who handpicks every item in his collection, said he takes pride in only selling true antiques – not reproductions.
“What’s unusual about us is when you come into the store, you notice a difference,” he said. “I try to keep everything as close to perfection as possible.”
Rivenbark spent a month renovating the 5,500-square-foot space, which is triple the size of the Bob Wallace store. A ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for April 6.
In addition to his loyal customers, Rivenbark hopes to attract more tourists who are visiting downtown for the first time.
“I’m hoping this will be another stop on their itinerary,” he said.
Downtown Huntsville Inc. has made several strides since 2014 to improve retail offerings in the city center with the launch of the Clinton Row Project and Garage at Clinton Row. The Avenue and CityCentre at Big Spring, two separate projects that are in different phases of construction, will also provide new retail offerings in downtown.
DHI is procuring a downtown retail demand study with RCLCO that will accompany last year’s residential demand report. The study will be ready to release in early April, according to DHI President and CEO Chad Emerson.
Emerson said he is excited for Rivenbark and his team to bring a new shopping option to downtown.
“As one of the premier high end antique galleries, this will be a great new retail destination for both local residents and visitors from throughout the region,” he said.