Arcadian Treasures offers a variety of repurposed antique and vintage items on the display floor of its shop in downtown Burlington. AT RIGHT: Jeremy Zurek applies a coat of paint to a wooden project at Arcadian Treasures, 256 E. Chestnut Street, Burlington. JASON ARNDT Spirit of Geneva Lakes
NEW LIFE FOR OLD
Treasures
TRIO RESTORES, SELLS VINTAGE ITEMS IN NEW SHOP by Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER
Inside a property in downtown Burlington, customers can find a trove of treasures – Arcadian Treasures. Arcadian Treasures, 256 E. Chestnut Street, is operated by three business partners who decided to open shop this spring. Jeremy Zurek, one of three co-owners, said Arcadian Treasures has a goal of restoring vintage and unique items to reclaim their identity and bring them back to life. “We take pieces that need love, and we give them the love they need so they stay out of the landfill,” he said. “We are big on upcycling.” Zurek joined the partnership with Derek Becker and Linnea Kurowski as a hobby. The hobby includes creating custom wood pieces and crafting lithopanes using old photos from customers. “I have always been a metal worker, not by trade, but by hobby, and so it appealed to me,” he said. “It is something that I love to do.” Zurek reports the establishment started with barn sales at Kurowski’s home before the trio decided to open a brick and mortar store in the downtown area. Becker said Arcadian Treasures initially planned for a spring opening before the
COVID-19 pandemic struck the area and caused a delay. “We wanted to open in April, but that didn’t happen because of the virus and everything,” said Becker, adding Arcadian Treasurers has been in business for about three months. But the business has been able to move forward in spite of the pandemic. Becker credits the supportive community, customers of Arcadian Treasures, as well as nearby businesses for the continuous flow of traffic. “This community has welcomed us like we have always been here,” he said. “We are doing surprisingly well for what is happening. People are coming in and they are friendly and they are buying stuff that they enjoy.” Arcadian Treasures typically finds inventory through estate sales, auctions, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and from friends, Becker said.
Jeremy was invited to participate,” Becker said.
Ideal trio
Arcadian Treasures’ three partners each have their own specialty, according to Becker, who said Kurowski possesses strong attention to detail. That includes staging items at the store along with traditional refurbishing. “She really has the eye for staging,” he said. Arcadian Treasurers, which is open four days per week, has a different partner operating the business on different days. “All three of us have full-time jobs, this is our side business,” Becker said. “We take turns running the store, it is a friendship and a partnership.” The three partners, according to Becker, also share a passion for reviving old pieces and often come together for projects. The collaboration only intensifies this Barn boom desire, Becker added. Becker said he and Kurowski wanted to “We have a passion and we have fun doing open a retail outlet after seeing success during it,” he said. “We get together when we can to barn sales. work on projects together.” The partnership, he said, grew after Becker Arcadian Treasures is open 10 a.m. until and Kurowski met Zurek along the way. 3 p.m. Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on “We just kind of met and it took off from Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m. there. I participated in Linnea’s barn sales and to 3 p.m. on Sundays. SPIRIT of GENEVA LAKES
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