Antique Guru Back in Downtown Lee's Summit
09-26-09
Antique Guru Back in Downtown Lee's Summit
Photo & Article by Kathy Smith
Photo:Karen Kessler owner of Heritage Antiques has come home to Lee’s Summit. Her elegant shop is located at 8 SW Third. She is the purveyor if the finest oak furniture in the Midwest.
Hold on to your hats antique lovers because Karen Kessler the famous antique guru is back in town. Here is the scoop. On July 26, 2000 a fire took place in the historic White and Shore Garage at 220 South Douglas, the current location of Heart of America Dance Center. At that time Kessler operated one of the finest antique malls in the area. The shop was a goldmine for savvy shoppers. It was also like a second home to customers and those of us who had booths in the store.
The folks who rented the space from Kessler quickly became a family. Kessler who specializes in beautiful oak furniture and amazing accessories was like a young mother hen to all of us. It was a beautiful time for us and for the downtown. Kessler brought her warm personality and talent to share with all of us.
To the north was another historic building that had been the Schick Funeral Parlor. At the time of the fire the owner of the building was doing some remodeling and replacing wiring. A fire broke out and spread like wild fire. Thanks to the quick acting Lee’s Summit Firefighters from Station 1 the fire was put out but, there was extensive smoke damage to the antique store. We all had to move out. I will never forget the sadness that overcame all of us.
Soon after the fire Kessler changed the name of her business to Heritage Antiques and moved to Grain Valley and singlehandedly revived that little Town. Later, the City of Grain Valley had some improvements in mind that would affect her business so she took her shop to the former Country Meadows site on 4o Hiway. We all tried to get her to come back to Lee’s Summit where Kessler has a huge client base. Well now my darlings, she is BACK.
She has located her business in the west end of the downtown area on SW Third, next door to Mariams Memories on the North side of the street. Kessler is a talented decorator and advisor when it comes to home décor. She can make your little cottage into a fabulous castle by just moving some furniture around. There is no job to big or too small.
When you walk into the shop it’s like going home again. There are refreshments and friendly faces there to greet you. You can have a sit down and visit as long as you like. Need some furniture reupholstered? Call Kessler. If you are in need of a craftsmen to refinish your furniture Kessler knows some fine folks who can help you. Heritage Antiques hours are Tues through Sat from 10am to 5pm, Sunday by chance. She spends many hours in her shop after hours so you may find her working away. Kessler is looking forward to seeing her old friends and making new ones. She can be reached at 810-4969
| 
