{image1}After 10 years in Bayshore Mall, Peter Novak will move his classy-and-kitschy business, Nautilus Design, to the Fifth Ward. With the move will also come a new name: Moderne-aire.
Although Novak is yet to sign the lease, he is confident it's a done deal. The new building, 114 E. Pittsburgh Ave., will also house The Social and an Alterra Café. Moderne-aire will be on the second floor, above the two popular ventures.
"I am very optimistic that this is a good fit for us," says Novak, 38.
Novak closed Nautilus at the end of February after receiving word from Bayshore that his space -- along with 17 others -- was going to be demolished in the $3 billion renovations project that will hopefully give the mall a shot in the arm.
"They offered me a temporary space, but it didn't make sense to me," says Novak. "The rent would go up significantly."
Novak, an antique dealer and collector for 20 years, will continue to offer Nautilus Design framing, art deco and mid-century moderne furnishings, vintage artifacts, antiques and collectibles.
"I was amazed to see the styles of this era embraced not only by the Baby Boomers who embrace their simpler past, but younger X-ers and Ys as well who respond to the modern look that's contemporary, funky and classic at the same time," says Novak, whose Brewer's Hill home is completely furnished with heirlooms from 1930-'60.
Moderne-aire will open in late spring, and Novak plans to stay on the cutting edge of his vintage and vintage-looking products even though many have meandered into the mainstream.
"Nautilus was the first retailer in Milwaukee to carry vintage poster art reprints," says Novak.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
