LOGAN SQUARE — It's a familiar situation for big families: As kids get older and outgrow their clothes, parents end up stuffing all the old stuff into a basement or crawl space where it collects dust.
In the case of the Marquez family, the attic of their longtime Belmont Cragin home is so notoriously jam-packed with old clothes that it's earned its own name, The Marquez Attic, mom Anna Marquez said.
"I have six kids, and I always save and save, try to resell, or put it donation boxes. They grow up, grow up, grow up," Anna Marquez said.
That's partially what inspired two of the six siblings, Frank and Jamie, ages 24 and 26, to open Alex's Attic, a consignment shop at 2733 N. Milwaukee Ave. The shop is also named after their 5-year-old brother, Alex.
"We believe one day he will take over. He's only 5, but if we make it that far, he'll at least know we thought of him even if he was so young," Frank Marquez said of his brother.
Frank Marquez has been selling clothes and electronics through websites like Offer Up and Craigslist for years. Jamie Marquez has a retail background. She managed the clothing department at a Target.
Alex's Attic will sell all kinds of second-hand clothing, shoes and accessories at varying prices. Like a typical consignment shop, many of the clothes will come from folks who come in and sell their old stuff.
"We get attached to our things. It's so personal. So when they come in, we can discuss" price, Jamie Marquez said.
The siblings are aiming for a public opening the first week of October. A firm opening date will be released in the coming weeks.
Though Belmont Cragin is home base for the Marquez family, the siblings said they've spent a lot of time in Logan Square over the years, hitting up neighborhood restaurants and the old Megamall or visiting family members.
"I've been on this strip for years since I was 15," Frank Marquez said.
"Logan Square has changed, and I just want to be a part of it," he added.
