After two decades, Millbrook Antiques Mall owners ready to pass the torch

MILLBROOK — After two decades of ownership, Jeff and Thelma Zwirn are selling the Millbrook Antiques Mall as they look to retire and focus on spending time with their family.

The couple purchased the Franklin Avenue antique mall in 2005 after deciding to leave New York City in the years following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Now, they have listed the business and its three-story, 5,000-square-foot building for $1,495,000 and are looking for a buyer who will continue operating it as an antique mall.

Established in 1979, the Millbrook Antiques Mall is home to more than 20 vendors spread across 40 rooms. The business generates revenue through vendor rentals, sales commissions, consignments and the owners’ own antique booth. The mall also serves as a retail outlet for Made In Cookware products.

According to Jeff Zwirn, the couple is already in advanced discussions with a prospective buyer.

“We have a few interested buyers, and one is pretty far along,” he said. “He has a vision for growing the business while keeping it an antique mall.”

Jeff Zwirn describes himself as the passive investor, while Thelma has overseen the day-to-day operation of the business from the beginning.

“My wife is on site several times during the week, so she manages the shop. She provides guidance to the dealers, she interacts with the customers. She’s just a wonderful CEO,” Jeff Zwirn said.

Their decision to leave New York City and purchase the business was shaped by the events of Sept. 11, 2001.Jeff Zwirn worked for Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, an investment banking firm whose offices occupied the 88th and 89th floors of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. The firm lost 67 employees in the terrorist attacks.“After attending so many funerals, we decided to shuffle the deck regarding our goals and objectives,” Jeff Zwirn said.

Looking for a slower pace of life, the couple relocated to Millbrook and purchased the Millbrook Antiques Mall. Before the move, Thelma Zwirn worked in New York City as an artist and teacher.

Wendy Maitland, founder of Atelier and the property’s listing broker, said the Zwirns have carefully maintained both the building and the business during their ownership.

“We have a very special property and owners who have a high level of pride of ownership and have taken incredible care of this building throughout their stewardship,” Maitland said. “I feel very lucky to be representing this property and these particular owners.”

Maitland said preserving the business itself will be just as important as selling the real estate.

“The property is most valuable to someone who will continue their legacy because they’ve built up a tremendous following, great reputation and tremendous goodwill throughout the community and beyond,” Maitland said.

As they prepare for retirement, the Zwirns said they are looking forward to spending more time with their children and grandchildren.

“This is the right time for us to focus on other priorities, including more time with the family, the grandchildren, with our own kids,” Jeff Zwirn said.