If you’ve driven down 4th Avenue in Coraopolis, there’s no doubt you’ve noticed their windows. Vintage vignettes staged to perfection, transporting window shoppers to another era. You can almost get lost in them while waiting at the 4th & Mill stoplight. In its 18 years of existence, Off the Avenue Antiques has become a trademark of Coraopolis, a fixture in town that draws shoppers in search of special finds.
In February of this year, long-time store owner, Jim Barricella, transferred the reins to trusted friend and colleague, Cheryl Sullivan, upon his retirement. Sullivan previously managed one of Barricella’s former stores, Belle Victoria, and comes with nine years of experience in the estate liquidation business.
“I have been buying and reselling Antiques for 20+ years…[taking over as manager] was an easy decision for both of us,” said Sullivan. Personally, says the Pittsburgh native, she loves to shop flea markets, estate sales, and thrift stores looking for unusual kitchen gadgets and cabinets.
Coraopolis has welcomed Sullivan with open arms. Some of her earliest impressions include the camaraderie and support that has come from her sister stores. “We have other antique businesses that promote each other and speak highly of each other,” she said.
But nothing worth pursuing is free of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic hit just one month into Sullivan’s tenure. Under the Governor’s mandates, the store was closed from March 17th through May 15th, putting Sullivan - and her 23 dealers - on hold. But, Sullivan says, “We pulled together and have been very successful since reopening.”
Each dealer in the antique mall offers a different style and variety. Newly added vendors include Three Rivers Vintage-vintage clothing; Pittsburgh Furniture Company; Custom Building Refinishing; Primitive Décor; and Home James. Tim Brock, owner of Brock’s Decorative Salvage, is bringing a new twist to Off the Avenue with his “General Store.”
The General Store
“My areas of focus are items that would have been found in an early General Store, such as vintage advertising and decor, antique primitives and classic Americana,” Brock said.
After meeting Sullivan at a local estate sale, she suggested he visit Off the Avenue and look into selling some of the items that he had been collecting. Since then, Brock’s Decorative Salvage has moved from a small 8x8 vendor space to his first floor showroom and front window display.
“As my passion for antiques continues to grow, I find myself leaning more towards local history. Items used and that were sold in local shops where I grew up have become major pieces of my collection - from a ‘Car Stop Trolley’ sign to ‘Pittsburgh Biscuit’ crates and everything in between,” he said.
Brock attributes his passion for antiques to fond childhood memories at his grandparents home.
“After searching through my Pap’s antique desk I found his wax seal with the capital letter B. It then became obvious what the logo for Brock’s Decorative Salvage would be. I now use actual wax and seal all my price tags with the letter B for Brock,” he explained.
His passion for history especially includes the town in which his business operates.
“I love the history of Coraopolis! The hustle and bustle of Mill Street back when a horse and buggy was the main source of transportation to the small shops that made the town what it is. The preservation of the train station is exciting and just another reason to want to continue to salvage local history and help Coraopolis remember all of it’s past.”
Both Sullivan and Brock agree on the importance of supporting their fellow small businesses. Now with five local antique shops, Coraopolis is well on its way to establishing itself as one of the premier Pittsburgh antique destinations.
Off the Avenue Antiques is located at 1000 4th Avenue in downtown Coraopolis and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am - 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm - 4pm. To learn more, visit the store’s website at Off the Avenue Antiques - 1000 4th Ave, Coraopolis PA 15108 - Loc8NearMe.