NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — Long before the modern skyline of downtown Naperville took shape, a humble wooden-framed store was erected in 1861. This establishment, which later became known as Beidelman Furniture, holds the distinction of being the oldest business not only in Naperville but also in DuPage County. Now, this historic store is preparing to close its doors for good.
“Growing up, the ‘store’ was always a topic of conversation. I used to think it was a person,” reflected owner Lana Heitmanek.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
For Heitmanek, the family business has been a constant presence throughout her life, standing proudly at the bustling intersection of Jackson Avenue and Washington Street in downtown Naperville.
“In a way, the store does feel like a person,” Heitmanek shared. “There’s a deep emotional connection. My grandfather, who had nine children, valued the business as it provided for our family.”
Heitmanek took the reins from her father in the year 2000 and now feels it is time to conclude this longstanding chapter.
She acknowledges that the business has encountered financial difficulties in recent years.
“It’s sort of a nice feeling to know that this is it,” Heitmanek said. “The property became more valuable, and it’s worth money. And it almost seems like it’s probably worth more than having than the profit that we would make having this business here.”
Beidelman Furniture store dates back to 1861, when Fred Long opened the business and then sold it to his nephew, Heitmanek’s grandfather, Oliver Beidelman, who later changed the name and grew the company to what eventually became a national landmark.
“Because the building will, no matter what, not go anywhere, so that’s comforting in some ways,” Heitmanek said.
Beidelman Furniture is now the third business to close on Washington Street since last year. The store’s final day open is April 29.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
