OREGON — Did you ever have a burning desire deep inside you that you wanted to make a reality but for whatever reason it just never manifested itself? Husband and wife Mark and Anne Nehrkorn had an inspiration strolling around the Oregon Candlelight Walk a year ago and have now made this collaborative dream come to fruition.
Mobel Furnishings, pronounced (moe-bell), which means furniture in German, is located at 118 N. 3rd St. in Oregon across from City Hall and features custom handmade items such as coffee and end-table sets, floating and regular shelving, mantels and industrial style dining room tables with clean lines using one of many different kinds of wood including German Beech, White Oak, and old reclaimed pine from right here in Northern Illinois.
The store, which officially opened on Nov. 24, has a very homey, warm, and inviting feeling as you walk through the doors and experience the exposed timber ceiling, tasteful home décor, fireplace, and couches that invite you in for a unique experience.
“We wanted our small boutique with a sitting area something that you would find in someone’s home that’s relaxing,” Mark said.
The space most recently housed a pet store and needed a full gut and renovation that started last February with TIF and a façade grant funding from the local city government.
“We needed to put in ADA-compliant front doors, and new concrete,” Mark said. “Mayor Ken Williams, City Manager Darin DeHaan, and the city council members were very supportive and generous, and we appreciate all of their efforts to help us transform this space.”
DeHaan shared how pleased they were when the Nehrkorns pitched their intentions.
“The location of Mobel was one of the last few spaces downtown that needed to be filled, and we had been strategizing how to do that,” DeHaan said. “We were delighted when Mark brought his business concept to us. This began a great partnership to help the Nehrkorns and the city meet the true potential of that space. Mobel brings a beautiful upscale retail experience to Oregon and has added another fantastic destination for shoppers in our region.”
Mark has had the good fortune of traveling to Europe over the last 10 years, extensively in Germany where he fell in love with his heritage and the style of furniture.
“My great, great grandfather August Heinrich Nehrkorn was a carpenter and emigrated to my hometown of Savanna, Illinois in 1882 and had a farm that he passed down to my family,” Mark said. “During my travels, I visited a lot of shops to get ideas which inspired and nudged me along the way. As a result, I feel connected and want that style to creep into what I want to establish and accomplish.”
Nehrkorn attributes his natural carpentry skills due to his bloodline that he first realized 40 years ago.
“Right out of college with my first job and paycheck I bought a table saw and built my first coffee table,” he said with a laugh recounting that memory.
Most spaces need a woman’s keen eye and sense of style. Mark credits Anne for such a talent. “Her love of furnishings and décor helps pull everything together,” he said. “She envisions what a room might look like in someone’s home and coordinates the kind of furniture that would go with it, and we create that setting. We have really good synergy.” Anne agreed.
“I’ve always enjoyed decorating my own living spaces, and I’m excited for the opportunity to help select furnishings that bring joy into their homes,” Anne said.
The shotgun-style layout of the long and narrow building allowed the Nehrkorns to house the retail, offices and workshop right onsite giving customers the chance to view the setup.
“It’s nice to be housed all in one location,” Mark said. “The raw wood comes in one end and furniture and furnishings go out the front door.”
Mark has a CNC machine center in the workshop and although it’s an ongoing process, there are unique handmade Christmas items like centerpieces, candleholders and decorative drink coasters, along with elegant home décor items.
“We also have a local artist Mary Howe who has graced us with her wonderful paintings that everyone should come out and see,” Mark said.
The community has been supportive of their efforts with more than 200 patrons shopping on the opening weekend.
“We are encouraged so far with the response,” added Mark. “We invite everyone to come in and let us design a special piece that they will hopefully treasure.”
