Over the summer, we looked at the history of 615 S. 6th St., most recently known as the Antiquarian’s Delight. If you pass by this building, you don’t have to look to carefully to notice that it wasn’t always a flea market. Even if you can’t read Hebrew, you can probably guess that the building was originally a synagogue. And even if you don’t have an eye for architecture, you can see that there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the neighborhood.

Front door

So when we heard the antique market was closing due to the sale of the building, we were concerned that the new owners were going to demolish the building to replace it with a new, contemporary structure. We were quite relieved when we passed by the other day and observed that the building was indeed undergoing renovations, indicating that the unique structure is here to stay. According to permits shown on the L&I Map, the developers are creating thirteen apartments and a leasing office in the building, which will instantly become one of the most interesting and recognizable addresses in the neighborhood.

Some interior work is ongoing. Probably demolition.

In an age where developers seem to be a big rush to tear down old buildings in favor of new ones, this is a refreshing adaptive reuse project on a very visible corner. Kudos to the Fetfatzes family, owners of Bella Vista Beer and the nearby Bainbridge Street Barrel House, on taking the path less travelled these days. Looking forward to seeing this renovation completed, and hopefully getting a tour.