From Garage to Emporium Antiques
A Study in Historic Preservation
What do you do with a monstrous 1912 brick building in the heart of historic downtown Frederick? You fill it with beautiful antiques open for business seven days a week!
This historic brick building was built in 1912 as the "Ideal Garage Company" along the National Pike. Early 20th century Frederick City was a mecca for visitors traveling by automobile from Washington and Baltimore to places west. The distance was "Just about the time hunger pangs overtake them." If hunger alone was not reason enough to pause in Frederick City, then the variety of misfortunes accompanying ownership of an early automobile provided additional incentives. By 1915, Frederick City boasted at least six automobile garages equipped to service travelers round-the-clock, and Ideal Garage Company was one of the largest in Maryland. In later years, the building was a Buick auto dealership. In 1984, Ideal Buick moved into a modern facility.
After 70 years of hard use, the old garage building showed her age. It sat vacant for a few years until it was restored, renovated, and opened as Emporium Antiques in late 1987. Today, the building continues to house Emporium Antiques and remains a valuable part of Frederick City's historic commercial core.
Emporium Antiques opened in 1987 with just a handful of local antique dealers. The idea was a roaring success. Within the year the market filled with dealers, and customers flocked through the doors. The tradition continues today with over 100 antique dealers, plus a colossal consignment section. With over 2 million dollars in annual sales, we sell to locals and visitors worldwide.
There are hundreds of reasons to visit the Emporium in historic downtown Frederick. In addition to outstanding antique shopping, there are about 40 great restaurants within walking distance, boutiques, galleries, libraries, the National Civil War Medical Museum, and excellent walking tours that showcase the city's carefully preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. Visit the Carroll Creek Liner Park outside our side entrance and experience the award-winning trompe l'oeil Community Bridge Mural.
Some of our favorite neighbors
