David and Kathy De Rose, the new owners of Springfield Antique Barn, recently had a big open house to show off the antique mall’s new spirit. They have given the building some much-needed updates, and plan to do a lot more after the holiday rush.
In a relatively short time they have given the interior a major facelift and added booths for even more vendors in the 30,000-square foot space. They have also put in new bathrooms, a new loading dock, new HVAC and video security. The best part of the changes is that they have attracted more vendors offering more diverse goods.
Housed in a historic building built in the early 1920s as the home of J.W. Hayes Tobacco Co., Inc., the two-story brick-walled building was turned into an antique mall by Larry Whitworth, a former Robertson County teacher and school principal upon his retirement. It has long been known as the place to go to find unique furniture, repurposed items, jewelry, fine crafts, holiday décor, yard art, glassware, Amish foods, china, quilts, records, toys, sculpture, paintings, crafts, books, and almost anything else you can think of.
“Whether you’re looking for 18th century or MCM,” said Staci Clark on Facebook, “this is the place! As an avid antique collector and dealer, the Springfield Antique Barn has been my go-to for over a decade. Recently under new ownership, I’ve found inventory increase on actual antique furniture pieces, new vendors and something for everyone. If you’re visiting, it’s worth stopping by. If you’re local, it’s worth giving it a look again – there is air conditioning now! We look forward to following the journey on which the new owners are taking this landmark.”
“If you haven’t checked out the Springfield Antique Barn recently, you must make a trip,” said Lauren Martin, also on Facebook. “You will be stunned at the beautiful work and renovations that have been made under the new ownership. Be sure to check downstairs as well. It’s almost unrecognizable with all the bright lights and great booths that are down there…Very excited to be part of this Robertson County gem!”
The DeRoses want to keep the community gathering place feel, and they have already hosted food trucks and a sale in the garage annex for those wishing to sell their vintage, reimagined, and craft items on Saturdays and Sundays in September. And they are currently helping Robertson County Animal Control find homes for some very cute kittens.
On their Facebook page, the couple shares “Two Minute Videos” giving a quick view of what is currently in stock in various parts of the store, and quicker videos focusing on one booth or type of item, like “Where the Cool Kids Get Their Swag”.
Free parking is available right outside the front door, and the new loading dock makes it easier for both customers to load their vehicles with recent purchases and vendors to load up their booth with much more ease.
