Windows on Broadway in Highland is antique store that offers posh meeting place for rent
With a one-of-a-kind design, Windows on Broadway in Highland houses two unique ventures.
The business, which gets its name from the 97 windows that encase the front of the building at 401 Broadway in Highland, has an antique and fine furnishings store in the back and an elegant event space in the front.
The 6,000-square-foot space in the back is stocked to the brim with antiques, collectibles and furniture. The wide range of offerings include everything from jewelry to kitchen furnishings. There are collectible butter churns, McCall’s magazines, old “45” records, antique hand tools, and vintage sporting equipment, including shotguns, bowling pins, bowling balls, golf clubs and tennis rackets. Among the many fine furnishings are table and chair sets, chairs and ottomans, chests, wood rocking chairs, beds and sofas.
Cyril “Pete” and Jane Korte own the store, which also offers a venue space for parties, meetings, baby showers and bridal showers in the front.
The 2,100-square foot atrium, which features the impressive window-front facade, is designed to provide a space for “sophisticated, intimate groups,” said Jan Korte-Couch, venue manager. There is also a small bar, designed by Pete and Jane’s grandsons.
The business is a culmination of many creative ideas and an inspiration that morphed out of a desire to bring life back to an old industrial site, Korte-Couch said. And the building, which was once home to the 4-5-6 Co. car and farm equipment dealership and was most recently a Kubota tractor dealer, offered distinct character and generous space for both opportunities.
An architectural/warehouse feel is still very prevalent in the remodeled building, yet warm colors and textures adorn both features. The Kortes have installed all new doors, glass windows and metal frames to mimic the building’s original wood frames, which compliment the innovative vignette displays designed by Kathie Korte.
Other improvements include a full kitchen, new restrooms and a new roof. A paved parking lot is also planned.
Pete Korte, who also serves as president of Korte-Luitjohan Contractors Inc. in Highland, said he has been interested in antiques most of his life. About 12 years ago, he met Gordon Rubenstein, who owned Rubenstein Antique store in Alton. Rubenstein, now his 80s, recently approached Korte about buying his store’s inventory.
Korte didn’t give it a second thought and acquired Rubenstein’s antiques, which filled about 10 semi-trucks. That inventory makes up the bulk of the antique offerings, but there are also some items from Korte’s personal collection in the antique shop.
The antique shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.; and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
A series of open houses will be held April 9-12, beginning daily at 9 a.m.
For more information on either aspect of the business, call (618) 651-4401. For information on the antiques and furniture, you can also email kathie@windowsonbroadway.com. For information on the venue space, you can email jan@windowsonbroadway.com.
This story was originally published April 2, 2015 at 11:42 AM with the headline "Windows on Broadway in Highland is antique store that offers posh meeting place for rent."