In September 2013, Wolfgang Rosenau made a wish to a dying friend and fellow auctioneer, Al Schrager. He promised to help find a suitable new owner for his beloved auction gallery, located across the street from Sherman Park. I admired the fact that years later, Rosenau was still working to fulfill his pledge, speaking to anyone who’d listen about the possibility of housing a nonprofit at the old auction house on Sherman Boulevard.

Though I’d never met an auctioneer before I imagine they’re all a bit like Rosenau: a history buff, well read, well spoken and just a tad eccentric. Rosenau helped me take the story from the 1920s, when the building was constructed as a church, through the 80s, when Schrager bought and turned the structure into an auction gallery known for its fine wares. The building still sits vacant today.

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