One of the largest antiques malls in Georgia is back in business.

After announcing it would close after 16 years, The Antique Market has reopened under new ownership and a new name. The Antique Market and Auction Gallery remains at 3179 Washington Road. The original market closed because business had slowed.

The new owners have declined to reveal their identity, but they have completely remodeled the store with new carpet, tile and wallpaper, general manager Steven Fiegenbaum said.

"They gave the place a complete face lift," he said.

The group of investors expressed interest at the antiques mall's auction Nov. 8 and said they wanted to save the Augusta landmark, he said. The investors are not listed on the store's new business license filed with the secretary of state.

The owners retained several employees. Vendors have returned, and new ones have been added.

"Since we have reopened, we have reached 29 vendors. I'm almost renting a booth a day because there's such excitement," Mr. Fiegenbaum said.

Many vendors and customers left handwritten notes saying how much they would miss the store, which the previous owners buried inside the walls.

Among the returning vendors are Brenda McLeod of Better Than New Antiques and Earl Williams of Papa's Antiques. Both had auctioned 95 percent of their furniture merchandise.

"We were ecstatic and thrilled to death," Ms. McLeod said of the reopening. "We love it here. The building looks 100 percent better than it did before."

"We're grateful the owners were willing to open it back up and give us an opportunity to stay in here. It's a prime location," Mr. Williams said.

The 30,000-square-foot facility has expanded its services to include monthly auctions, estate sales, consignment, appraisals, delivery service and an art gallery, Mr. Fiegenbaum explained.

The Antique Market and Auction Gallery will hold its grand reopening Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Reach LaTina Emerson at (706) 823-3227 or latina.emerson@augustachronicle.com.