A major transformation has taken place at a historic building along Monroe Road. H&S Lumber, a well-known specialty lumber and hardware store since 1937, closed the doors on their shop. H&S Antiques now calls the renovated building home, and is selling imported antiques and collectibles.
Fans of H&S Lumber will be happy to know that that store will reopen very soon in the two buildings behind the antiques shop.
Excitement has spread quickly among designers, shoppers and antique lovers. One of the new owners, John Grafe, says that the response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. “I think designers like the fact that we not only have larger furniture pieces, but we also have unique decorative accessories including porcelains, tapestries, inlaid boxes, candlesticks, and one of a kind lighting.” Pieces have been imported from England, France and Italy…..with a few American and Chinese pieces mixed in. He plans to have a new shipment of antiques monthly.
In Spring of this year, he’s also directly importing 18th and 19th century garden figures, planters, fountains, and architectural elements back from his European travels.
Growing up in Mississippi, John’s family was friends with H&S Lumber owner David Boland. David approached John about eight months ago, inviting him to open an antiques store in the front retail area of H&S Lumber. The timing was good; the two friends decided to go for it.
“John Grafe never fails to delight with his beautifully curated selection of antiques. H&S is a wonderful addition to the Charlotte marketplace and an amazing reinvention of a classic MoRA property.” – Leigh Faulkner, Circa Interiors
John started in the antiques business in his teens. He had several shops in Jackson, Mississippi, and for the last seven years he’s had a New Orleans antique shop — Appartique. John does the buying, setup and decorating for his stores and already has a great staff in place.
Being new to Charlotte, John is often told about the positive changes taking place in the area and he is looking forward to being a part of the MoRA neighborhood and community. He thinks that people will like what they see as the area continues to grow and change. Plus, he says, “I love Charlotte, I think it’s beautiful, it has very kind people who have opened their arms to us. I have been overwhelmed with the support that has been shown.”
Visit the shop at 4115 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205, check out their website, or see their newest imports on Instagram.
