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Barry Moe is finally able to see the results of one-and-a-half years of hard labor at Center City’s newest business establishment.

Moe spent the time meticulously renovating the old theatre building in downtown Center City and the result is the Old Theatre Antique Mall.

The mall features 2,700 square feet of quality antiques and collectibles offered by 12 different antique dealers. Moe said he will be expanding the business later this month to include an additional 1,100 square feet and adding up to 18 new vendors in the space.

Antiques and collectibles at the store range from Depression glass to dishes, quilts, artwork, toys and furniture. Moe signed up the various antique vendors through advertising in an antiques trade publication.

Moe, originally from White Bear Lake, said he has been working hard to complete the renovation so his own extensive collection is not on display yet, except for a few items of furniture.

The business has been well received in Center City. Many of the positive comments are about the layout of the store, Moe said.

“They hear that it’s well laid-out and uncluttered,” he said. “That’s easy to maintain when you’re just starting out, but we’ll try to keep it looking very inviting.”

Moe had the building redesignated as the old theatre building. He hopes to have a new theatre sign put on the top of the building soon to recognize its historical value.

The upstairs theatre doesn’t go unused. A local dance studio uses the space for classes during the week and Moe is hoping to be adding more weekend activities to utilize the space.

During the Celebration of the Lakes last year, a silent film festival was held in the theatre and became a popular event. Moe is planning on opening up the theatre for the event again this year and adding a piano player who will add the background music to the silent movie.

The Center City Historical Society and the Center City Business Association are sponsoring Christmas in Center City at the theatre Dec. 4. The event will feature works from various artists, book signings, a display of historical items from the area and refreshments. It takes place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Old Theatre Antique Mall will celebrate with a grand opening Nov. 11-15, featuring daily cash drawings, drinks and cookies for customers.

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