An auction house known for its antique guns plans to move its headquarters to Bedford
A company that auctioned off John Wayne’s favorite gun used in movies like “True Grit” and Alexander Hamilton’s holster pistols that he carried during the Revolutionary War is on the verge of turning a vacant, run-down Walmart into its world headquarters.
The Rock Island Auction Company got unanimous approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission for its request to renovate the former Walmart at 3600 Harwood Road, which is visible from the Airport Freeway. Rock Island also plans to purchase the strip shopping center where the former Walmart is located to attract tenants that would complement its business.
Kevin Hogan, president of the company, told the zoning commission last week that, “Not only is this redevelopment, but revitalization of property. We plan to spend quite a bit of money to turn this into the finest brick and mortar auction house in the world.”
Currently, the company, which is in Rock Island, Ill., generates hundreds of millions of dollars in sales annually, he said.
The company attracts buyers from all over the world who are affluent, he said.
Hogan said renovating the former Walmart and the shopping center will take a great deal of work because buildings and plumbing were “severely damaged” during the winter storm, and much of the center is in disrepair.
“At the end of the day, we’re a big catch,” he said.
Plans call for the 89,000-square-foot former Walmart to have four main features including a grand entrance/lobby, selling hall, grand showcase hall and boardroom.
According to information from the company, the design will be a mix of “western chic” and a gentleman’s study including woodwork, antler chandeliers, tile floors, and neon lights.
Hogan described several premier sales, including a $2.3 million sale in 2015 of a shirt of Egyptian armor incorporating gold inlaid plates. The armor, dating to the 15th century, is attributed to Qaitbay, Sultan of Egypt.
The armor is now housed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Hogan described how the armor was found in a closet in San Francisco, in a trash can on top of a pedestal. There was a Lynyrd Skynyrd T-shirt underneath, he said.
The company is also preparing for a sale in early December of a six-piece garniture including a rifled carbine, carriage pistols, pocket pistols, and a distinctive sword and scabbard that belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte. The sale marks the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s death. The collection dates back to when Napoleon was gaining power in the French Republic.
Mayor Michael Boyter said Bedford spent months talking to the company about moving from Illinois.
“Texas is a big market for them. They wanted someplace like Bedford,” he said. “They anticipate it’s just going to take off. It’s just going to benefit them from its location near the airport.”
The company will bring in revenue from sales, property, hotel and motel taxes, he said.
Boyter said Bedford was “proactive” in reaching out to Rock Island.
“We have a plan, and we have a vision. We are no longer just waiting for the phone to ring,” Boyter said.
This story was originally published November 23, 2021 at 8:45 AM.