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Blaming Rising Rent, Seek Vintage Crowdsources To Stay In 'Hood

By Alisa Hauser | May 22, 2017 9:24am
 Items at Seek.
Items at Seek.
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DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser

WEST TOWN — In early July, fans of Seek Vintage won't have to look far to find the eclectic West Town shop, since its new digs will be directly across the street — if everything goes as planned.

As of Monday, $2,835 has been raised by 45 supporters toward an $8,000 goal set by Seek Vintage owner Chris Hunt, who started a campaign on Indiegogo last week after a rent increase at his 1432 W. Chicago Ave. shop. 

Hunt, who opened Seek Vintage seven years ago on Chicago Avenue, told DNAinfo that his rent was raised rent by almost 20 percent.

Fortunately, a building owner with a storefront for rent across the street at 1433 W. Chicago Ave. offered Hunt a more affordable price.

"Unfortunately, this has all happened in the past month and since I thought I had years left at my current space, I do not have money for moving costs, which include: first and last month's rent, security deposit, movers, a build out of the new space, paying for paperwork/new license at City Hall, and other unanticipated costs," Hunt posted.

Hunt is a member of the West Town Chamber of Commerce, a commissioner for the Special Service Area Taxpayer District 29 and a co-founder of the annual West Town Art Walk.

"The new store will be focusing more on housewares, furniture, lighting and bar ware, etc. I will still have clothing, but not as much," Hunt said.