TRAVERSE CITY — Wilson Antiques in downtown Traverse City is Northern Michigan’s most extensive antique mall, featuring more than 20,000 square feet of retail space. The facility currently hosts between 30 and 40 independent dealers across multiple floors.
The mall is housed in a historic building dating back to the late 1800s that functioned as a furniture store for most of the 20th century. The landmark underwent a significant mid-century reconstruction following a 1955 fire before transitioning into an antique destination in the 1980s.
The building originally became a furniture store in 1914 and operated as Wilson’s Furniture for several decades. In 1955, a fire broke out in the structure, forcing the business to close for two years. When the facility was rebuilt, it took on a mid-century architectural style that characterizes the interior today.The property was sold in the 1980s and converted from a traditional furniture store into an antique mall. Today, the space is organized into several floors that house various collections of secondhand items, nostalgic memorabilia and trinkets.
Inventory is gathered through a variety of methods. Dealers frequent auctions, estate sales and garage sales to find unique pieces. Additionally, local residents often contact the mall to request evaluations of items found in their homes or within local estates. Some acquisitions come from large-scale liquidations, including wardrobes from Leland and furniture found in local residences.
Wilson’s also maintains a precious metals exchange that was established in 1980. This aspect of the business launched when the Hunt brothers attempted to corner the silver market, causing gold and silver prices to fluctuate significantly. Mall staff use chemical tests to verify if items are solid gold or gold-plated to ensure accurate pricing.
Market values for certain collectibles have shifted since the 20th century. Items such as carnival glass, depression glass and pottery often sell for roughly one-third of the prices they commanded during the 1980s and 1990s. In contrast, gold remains highly valued, with a small bag of 14-karat gold pieces worth approximately $1,770.
The store utilizes a 25-year rule to determine what qualifies as an antique for its inventory. Under these guidelines, items from as recently as 2001 are now eligible for sale. Specialized dealers within the mall focus on specific niches, including experts in glassware, China and porcelain dishes, while others specialize in 1980s and 1990s nostalgia.