The revival in the so-called SoDo District on the south end of downtown (near the intersection of Second Avenue and Washington Street) has been fun to watch over the last couple of years. Saunders Cheese, Vino! A Wine Shop, Lolo Boutique and Koi Salon are just a few of the businesses that have opened up there. Next door to Lolo is an airy and bright furniture and art store with a very clever name: Antwiqu'ed. Owner Alisha Nisbet scours Craigslist, garage sales and estate sales for secondhand furniture with potential. She then gives the pieces new life in her garage--usually with a fresh coat of paint or sometimes with lively new upholstery (animal print dining chairs, anyone?). Check out this slideshow of some of Antwiqu'ed's offerings. The shop isn't jam packed with products like most antique stores usually are. "I didn't want it to be cluttered with stuff," Nisbet says. "I wanted each piece to have its own space." The result is a more modern feel, although the furniture styles are varied--depending on what catches Nisbet's eyes. Some of the highlights today were a child's dresser with charming teddy bear images on the drawers, traditional-style chairs painted white with super-bright padded seats and a Corvette-red desk with mid-century-looking curves. Antwiqu'ed also sells the artwork of local painters and sculptors, including Ben Joyce, Jennifer Zurlini and a woman who goes by one name--Jaque. Nisbet opened Antwiqu'ed in April and business has been good, but she's looking for someone to take over and might have to close it next month if no one steps up. Nisbet just landed a full-ride scholarship to law school and it starts in January. So, if you're looking for a new piece of furniture or, heck, a business opportunity, check it out. Antwiqu'ed 309 W. Second Ave., Spokane (509) 838-3053 Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

---

---