Dal Ponte Interiors Closing After 55 Years

Dal Ponte Interiors has been a favored upholster in Highland Park for more than five decades. Founded by the late Gino Dal Ponte and his wife, Kay in 1960, the shop has been a success at two locations: first on Elm Place at the site now home to Renaissance Place Mall and since 1999 at 1300 Old Skokie Road.

But on May 1, the home to what Kay best describes as “all kinds of stuff” will merely become a Highland Park memory. Gino died in 2012, and although the store’s loyal following was strong enough to keep it going, Kay says it’s time to move on.

“I’m getting a little older and my eyesight isn’t as good as it once was,” she says, looking back at more than a half-century of memories in Highland Park.

“We’ve had many satisfied customers,” she adds. “My husband was a perfectionist with his work. He was also one of the best upholsters around.”

Since Gino was an avid fisherman, he would often chat with customers in the early years about the best places to find the good ones.

“They would always wind up fishing where he was,” Kay said, noting her husband’s willingness to provide advice on the activity.

The Old Skokie Road location would be known for Gino and his dog.

“People would always come by and greet that dog - Gino loved his animals.”

Customers, Kay says, are “kind of upset” to see them go, but very understanding. Many of them are lifelong friends of Kay and her late husband - both of which were very active in the local Moose club.

With their closing date right around the corner, Kay is offering great deals on the furniture, antiques and other items that are available.

“We still have some really good stuff,” she said. “Make an offer and we’ll go from there.”

Sample books are also given away free to those who purchase items. April 30 is their last day, so all items will need to be sold by then.

“We are very grateful to have been in business in Highland Park for so long,” Kay said. “We got to be friends with quite a few of our customers and we’d like to thank all of them for their support.”

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