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58 AUGUST 2025 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE The New Old How this native La Jollan is evolving the antique store with a thrilling mix BY GILLIAN FLYNN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOMOKO MATSUBAYASHI "Pine is hot, hot, hot," proclaims Bradley McDonald, owner of Girard Avenue Marketplace. "And everyone wants pewter." At 6'7", McDonald's presence has a dollhouse effect on the merchandise, towering over rows of antiques where the grandest chairs seem to appear in miniature. His down-to-earth demeanor and big teddy-bear warmth immediately ground us back to size. Having taken over this venerable La Jolla antique store two years ago, McDonald has assembled the ingredients for the yummiest of retail experiences: drama, discovery, and diversity. Here, mid-century gems and French antiques mingle alongside contemporary pieces and local art. ere's also the reinvention of classics, where vintage gems are resuscitated back to relevancy thanks to powder-coating and new upholstery. "We 'Frankenstein' it, and make it last another 50 years," he says. Expect an intoxicating lineup of seasoned dealers (King & Company, Newport Ave Antiques, Etceteras, Jennifer Price) alongside new- era foragers (Oats General) and well-heeled interior designers. e latter includes BW Home, Suzanne Mariucci, Tiffani Baumgart, and Melissa Ducey.