Young man with a passion for old things taking over Old Strathcona Antique Mall

CTV News Edmonton's Connor Hogg speaks to Mykel Lewsaw, the new owner of the Old Strathcona Antique Mall.

The new owner of the Old Strathcona Antique Mall is a young man with an old soul.

Mykel Lewsaw wasn’t even born yet when the 28-year-old antique spot was established in 1997 but he can appreciate the business’ long-standing traditions.

“I got into the antique business at a young age,” he said. “I started just over 10 years ago. I am 26 now and I am just buying my second mall.”

“It’s always been a passion of mine. I’ve always liked antiques.”

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The Old Strathcona Antique Mall (OSAM) went up for sale earlier this month, although plans were already underway to sell it in February.

Both the business owners and landlord hoped to find someone with the will and the way to keep the Edmonton destination alive and well.

Lewsaw, who also owns the Rocky Mountain Antique Mall a few blocks south on Gateway Boulevard, accepted and will take over in June.

• Old Strathcona Antique Mall sold to owner of Rocky Mountain Antique Mall

He made some major changes to his first mall after buying it four years ago, but said there’s less in store for the Old Strathcona spot.

“I think there’s a lot of potential here. I want to keep the operations running the way they are,” he said. “The tradition of the Old Strathcona Antique Mall is going to live on and I look forward to that.”

Former mall owner Betty Reitan looks forward to that, too.

“As I got to know him, I feel very comfortable that he understands the special place that OSAM has in the hearts of Edmonton and that he intends to retain that,” Betty said.

“‘I’m excited to see where he takes it,” she added. “I’m thrilled for him, I’m thrilled for us. I think it’s really in good hands.”

Reitan ran OSAM with her daughter Bobbi Weibel for 16 years. She said it’s been amazing to see the mall become a “destination station.”

“It’s a place where people come and spend their Sunday afternoons, they bring in their families, they bring in out-of-town guests,” she said. “On TripAdvisor, I think we’re No. 5 of things to do in Edmonton, so that’s pretty crazy.”

Reitan said she and her daughter decided to sell to focus on retirement and family, respectively.

“As much as it’s hard to let it go, it was time for both of us,” she said.

“It’s been rewarding. It’s been challenging. It’s probably one of the most challenging things I’ve done in my career, but it’s been a blessing,” Reitan added. “I’m eternally grateful that I got to do it with my daughter, because that’s extra special.”

 Mykel said he will take over Monday June 2 and that no interruption to mall hours will take place.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Connor Hogg