Architectural Salvage & Antique Lumber News

Updates about architectural salvage and antique lumber and how to use these green building products -- from the nation's leading news source on architectural salvage and antique lumber.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Detroit Architectural Salvage

Looks like Detroit-based duMouchelle auction house/art gallery has access to quite a building in Troy, Michigan. Check out their auction catalog from last weekend for some impressive architectural antiques they were auctioning on site. We're talking entire rooms, not just pieces. Is there more to come? We're trying to find out from the auctioneers, as well as get some info on the building.

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Thursday, December 09, 2010

Oregon Stone for Salvage



This stone building in Oregon is being taken down by the demolition contractor this week. The demo company is entertaining all offers from companies interested in salvaging the building's stone. They are removing the stone from the building and placing it on the ground. If you are interested or know of someone interested, contact me at rellis@architecturalsalvagenews.com or 540-588-1258.

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Monday, November 15, 2010

Philadelphia Architectural Salvage Auction




Kamelot Auction House is hosting their annual Architectural Antiques and Victoriana auction Saturday, Nov. 20. The auction begins at 11 a.m. with previews scheduled Nov. 17 – 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Images of the more than 700 items being auctioned can be seen at http://www.kamelotauctions.com/catalog1.php Their auction house is located at 4700 Wissahickon Ave., Philadelphia, Penn., 19144. Additional information is available by calling 215-438-6990.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Architectural Salvage Auctions

Well, fall is here, and so are the architectural antiques auctions. Up first is Red Baron Antiques over-the-top auction of amazing architecturals and other items Nov. 6-7 in Atlanta, followed by Kamelot Auctions' annual fall architectural salvage auction Nov. 20 in Philadelphia.

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Monday, October 18, 2010

Washington D.C. Salvager Closing

The Brass Knob's Back Door's Warehouse is closing its doors forever! Click on their flyer below, and enlarge it when it appears on screen by holding down the control button and the plus sign on your keyboard, to see some of the items in an amazing 30-year-collection of architectural ornament.



Monday, August 30, 2010

1932 W.V. High School Set for Demolition


Photo from bdtonline.com

Looks like the Big Creek High School, constructed in 1932, is set for demolition before this winter, according to an article in the Bluefield (W.V.) Daily Telegraph. Judging from the building's age, and one exterior shot I found online, this building undoubtedly contains salvageable, valuable artifacts. Now all we need to do is find the right salvager. Who's ready?

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Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Ways to Make Architectural (Salvaged) Antiques Work in Your Home/Garden



Guest post contributed by antiques dealer myfamilysilver

With a fertile imagination, you can unearth some wonderful treasures in an architectural salvage yard that you can take home and craft into interesting, one-of-a-kind antique creations to use both inside and out. For a fraction of the cost of cookie-cutter decorations, you can reuse and recycle past treasures and turn them into new and exciting ingredients to give your home a distinctive flair.

Adapt


Making the most out of architectural salvage requires thinking outside the box, and you will want to hone your ability to see how seemingly unrelated objects can be adapted to work together. Old doors, pedestals and wrought iron remnants can be crafted into fascinating coffee tables and patio bars. Salvaged glass blocks and windows can be combined with old French doors to create conservatory-style garden rooms that can be attached to the house or designed as a free-standing greenhouse.

Inside Art from Exterior Designs


Gingerbread trim from Victorian style houses can get the attention it deserves when you use it as a foundation to create artistic designs in unexpected places. Fine filigree antique outdoor lights look stunning as overhead entryway chandeliers, and vintage carriage style lanterns on either side of a fireplace in big den and family room add a sense of timelessness.

Reinventing the Wheel


When approaching architectural salvage decoration, you have the freedom to take an object to a whole new level of utility. Look beyond the previous history of an item and see the potential for giving it a new career serving a similar, but different, function. An old ship's wheel can be used as a decorative piece, or covered with glass to make a table top or worked into a wall design or entrance gate.

Combine


Install clear glass shelves in salvaged wooden boxes to make wonderful curio cabinets you can hang on the wall or add an old shutter hinged to the front with a mirror attached to make it into a bathroom medicine chest. Old railroad timbers can be mounted onto wrought iron or concrete fence posts to make sturdy tables and sideboards.

Salvaged stone blocks can be used to trim up flower beds, edge sidewalks and border ponds.


As Is


Many items that you find in a salvage yard can be put to use without alterations or modifications and any wear and tear they may have accumulated just gives them more character. Be bold and discover interesting locations where you can install columns, antique light fixtures and old mantle pieces in unusual ways. Salvaged items like bells, candlesticks and planters can be worked right into your existing decor to add a nostalgic flavor.