Jun 29, 2010

West is Best!

How many shops make a strip? We’re not sure what the rule is on that one, but the openings of SG Grand (1822 
W. Grand Ave., 630-816-9006) and Buckingham I+D (1820 W. Grand Ave., 312-933-8359) last week are proof enough that the stretch of Grand Avenue from Wood Street to Western Avenue is turning into a destination. The main cluster hovers around Damen, were the pioneering mid-century dealer Modern Times first staked its ground. Always-stylin’ Post27 has become something of a designphile hub; and the salvage shop Urban Remains recently opened a showroom (at 1819 W. Grand Ave.) just west of it. MCM Grand (lots of 1960s mod and Hollywood Regency-style stuff) is yet further west, along with its sister shop Uber Modern. Up next: The Painted Lady, a painted antique furniture shop that currently has a space in Bucktown, is opening another location on Grand August 1. We’ll keep you posted.
    Haven’t had a chance to scope out the new kids on the block? SG Grand (top two photos) is an urban outpost of Geneva’s Scentimental Gardens, offering a sophisticated-country aesthetic, and filled to the rim with rustic lighting, lovely artwork, updated traditional furniture, bold accessories, and more. Ellen DeGeneres was one of the shop’s first customers (she was in town during its opening week, taping a special)! Next door, interior designer Julia Edelmann’s spare showroom, Buckingham I+D (bottom two photos), has more of a gallery vibe and features edgier combinations of contemporary, ethnic, and antique pieces (it’s open by appointment only).
Time to carve out some weekend hours to cruise the new strip.

—GINA BAZER

Posted at 11:59 AM in InBox | Back to all posts