|
The Antique Alley Merchants Association had its beginning in 1987 when a group of six merchants began pooling money to pay for advertising for their stores. From this beginning, we have grown to over 40 shops. Diverse shopping including seven antique malls, fifteen individual antique stores, twenty other specialty shops, three restaurants and a bed and breakfast can be found. Antique Alley located on Trenton Street in the historic Cottonport District has a history dating back to 1859 when Cottonport was recognized by the Louisiana Legislature. The area continued to grow with the addition of a railroad bridge across the Ouachita River and the building of the Union Oil Mill which processed cotton seed oil until its closing. The mill is currently being converted into apartments, condos, and retail shopping. Come spend the day shopping, enjoy coffee, lunch, or spend the night at our bed and breakfast, the Rose Lee Inn, which can be contacted at (318) 366-2412. Antique Alley is primarily located in the historic downtown of West Monroe, Louisiana, on the banks of the Ouachita River. Most shops are open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and some shops are open Monday and Sunday afternoons. Be sure to check out the offical web site of the Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau as well. |
|
History of Antique Alley During the 1960s and the early 1970s, very few businesses were located in the original downtown area of West Monroe which is now designated the Cotton Port Historic District. City Hall had been moved out of an area leaving two banks, two jewelry stores, a flower shop, a tire store, a restaurant supply store, a cottonseed oil mill, a pool hall, two bars, a men's clothing store, a ladies dress shop, a third-run movie theater, a cafe serving breakfast and lunch, a hardware store and many empty buildings being used for warehousing. Then in the late 70's, an art gallery selling paintings and prints opened, followed by several boutiques going into business in an old warehouse. An antique shop featuring upscale collectibles opened followed by the renovation of an old building which became an antique store also. At this point several more antique shops began moving into the area along with a furniture store which specialized in unfinished furniture. Within a few years one of the antique shops became an antique mall followed by several others opening in the area. About eight years later, several antique shop owners came up with the name Antique Alley and a logo which was registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State. The shop owners pooled their advertising money to promote their stores by advertising in trade newspapers and brochures. This met with limited success, so more thought went into promotion and it was decided to purchase billboard space. The first one on 1-20 produced such an overwhelming response that another on 1-20 was soon rented. Approximately two years later a billboard on Hwy. 165 North was rented. The original Antique Alley Association consisted of the following six stores: Chandler's Antiques became the area's first antiques mall, and from there, many booth dealers started their own antique shops. In the early 1990's, the city was able to rebuild most of the sidewalks in the business district and also the streets. Through donations and efforts of the city, lampposts were installed and wired. Each lamppost has a plaque with its contributor's name or family name. Bricks were donated by a local company and installed by city workers at the two city parking lots. One has a bell tower with the bell from the city hall that was located at the site. The other parking lot has a steel sculpture by the local artist featuring native flowers. Over the years the Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau has been actively promoting Antique Alley as a tourist attraction, one of the best known in Northeast Louisiana. Renovations continue in the Antique Alley area with the addition of offices, apartments, and condos in many of the historic buildings. Presently, the current Antique Alley Association is composed of the following officers: |
| Home | About Us | Events | Links | Stores | Contact |
|---|
About Us