A boutique store in Aspinwall is relocating to Verona.
Dovecote’s owner, Jessica Rehling Vukmir, said news of the building at 20 Brilliant Ave. going on the market served as a catalyst to find a new ZIP code for her specialty shop known for its vintage-inspired items and antiques.
Fox Chapel Real Estate property manager Harold Sankey confirmed the building is for sale with an asking price of $1.3 million. It includes a single residence home next door. Sankey said he has fielded interest from a possible tenant who would open a nail salon.
“Once I found out the building was for sale, I felt in my gut the right thing was to move on,” said Vukmir of O’Hara. “I cried for months even considering closing/moving our Aspinwall location. It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that letting go of something you love is sometimes the only way to move forward.”
Dovecote sells eclectic gifts, antiques and vintage-inspired home items, including furniture, organic skin care, local art, lamps, Pittsburgh-themed swag, jewelry and more.
Dovecote is moving to the E.N. Miller Antique Mall at 615 E. Railroad Ave. in Verona. Employees have been relocating merchandise to Miller’s and plan to vacate the Aspinwall location by the end of March.
Miller’s mall features more than 100 vendors in a booth-shopping format occupying more than 25,000 square feet of shopping space.
“We’re so excited to meet Jessica. She is so knowledgeable, and I think she will do well here,” said Natalie Miller, daughter of owners Susan and Brian Miller.
Business at Miller’s has increased by 19% since last year, she said.
“People are spending more on furniture and higher-ticket sales. And we’re seeing younger shoppers ‘treasure hunting’ as I like to call it. Some call it thrifting,” Miller said.
Vukmir was juggling motherhood, family, being a wife and two young daughters when she first opened Dovecote.
“My girls were 1 and 3 when I began my journey. They’re now 11 and 13. Life changes and evolves, and my kids are busier than ever and I am as well,” Vukmir said.
Upcoming Local Events
“Having that sweet little spot in Aspinwall for 10 years made me think I may never leave,” Vukmir said. “I want to thank all of my dear customers, neighbors and supporters who’ve been there with us through so many times and kept us going during covid and made us stronger in the end. We hope to see you all across the street at Nouveau and in Verona.”
Nouveau Designer Consignment is Vukmir’s second Aspinwall business, located at 21 Brilliant Ave., across from Dovecote.
That store will remain open with no operating changes.
Dovecote currently is hosting a storewide sale, with discounts of 25% to 50%.
Aspinwall Councilman Lou Curcio lamented Dovecote’s departure.
“It’s always sad to see such an Aspinwall staple leave town,” Curcio said. “They were a big part of the Brilliant Ave. business district.”