by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Robert Pavelka is selling pieces of history.
That is, history in the form of furniture and supplies that have been in one of Downtown’s oldest buildings for countless years.
Constructed in 1904 by Victor Covington, the Churchwell Building at the corner of Bay and Market streets has been in Pavelka’s family since Pavelka’s grandfather bought the building and started a wholesale dry-goods company in 1923.
Renovations have been underway on the bottom floor of the building for some time and along with them came a dilemma for Pavelka — what to do with the existing furniture.
“I thought about trying to incorporate some of it into the new design,” said Pavelka, owner of the building and Pavelka Properties. “But it wasn’t feasible so I decided to sell them.”
Large hardwood desks of various makes and models, 500-pound tables, typewriters, windows, chairs, wooden filing cabinets, a walk-in safe and even an elevator are up for grabs for those looking to add to their office, restaurant or collection of furnishings from yesteryear.
“Some of the pieces date back to when the building was constructed,” said Pavelka. “There are quite a few pieces and most are pretty rare.”
While the age and rarity of the pieces isn’t up for debate, their worth is since Pavelka hasn’t been able to get the collection fully appraised. Pavelka said he is generally seeking $100 to $1,000 for each piece, depending on the item.
“I’ve already had a few people inquire about them,” he said. “I think people will be interested in these pieces.”
For more information on the pieces or the Churchwell Building development, call Pavelka at 343-5721 or go to www.churchwelllofts.net.
356-2466