Modern Cooperative, a beloved boutique in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, is growing – and fast. The shop, which specializes in mid-century modern furniture and vintage finds, just expanded its footprint in the historic Thalia Hall building. The hall was originally built as an opera house in 1892, but it’s now also home to a bustling mix of businesses.
Tiffany Paige, co-owner of the Modern Cooperative, was thrilled to be able to expand without leaving the neighborhood. “There’s a real sense of community here – it’s like living in a small town in the big city. We love it when our neighbors shop with us or simply walk past and wave, that really means something to us,” says Paige. “Plus, there are seven fantastic vintage shops on 18th Street, making Pilsen one of the largest vintage-shopping districts in Chicago.”
The Pilsen neighborhood has quickly become one of the largest vintage-shopping districts in Chicago.
The new expansion triples Modern Cooperative’s square footage, providing much-needed room for shop-goers to browse the store’s eclectic inventory. Modern Cooperative mixes new and old in its offerings, with mid-century modern furniture featured alongside handmade home goods and accessories by 75 local artists. You can admire custom-dyed silk scarves and impeccable ‘50s-era living-room sets in the newly expanded storefront.
Modern Cooperative’s new space also offers a permanent place to find The Lost Girls, the fashionable Chicago duo known for their pop-up shops. Their signature 1976 RV-turned vintage shop will still roam the city and country, but their mini-boutique is now open at Modern Cooperative. It features a high-style selection of on-trend vintage clothing for men and women.
There are even more additions coming to Modern Cooperative — the shop plans to kick off a series of ModCo Craft Classes in January. Local artisans featured in the store will lead workshops in block printing, weaving, knitting and other mediums. It’s all part of Modern Cooperative’s plan to continue to invest in the neighborhood and make it a Chicago destination for design.
Modern Cooperative
Lost Girls
1215 West 18th Street
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 226-8525