Architectural Salvage & Antique Lumber News

Detroit Architectural Salvage

2010-12-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

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.

Oregon Stone for Salvage

2010-12-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

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.

Philadelphia Architectural Salvage Auction

2010-11-15T07:04:00.000-08:00

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.

Architectural Salvage Auctions

2010-10-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Washington D.C. Salvager Closing

2010-10-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

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.

1932 W.V. High School Set for Demolition

2010-08-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-08-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Sotheby's Auctioning Antique Mantels

2010-08-24T02:48:00.000-07:00

According to Art Daily, Sotheby's London will auction more than 200 "chimneypieces and fire grates" Sept. 14. The pieces are from the 25-year collection of Paul Chesney, whose company -- Chesney -- designs and crafts exquisite fireplaces. Photo courtesy of ArtDaily.org.

Architectural Salvage in North Carolina

2010-07-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Check out this TV news profile of Greensboro, North Carolina's, non-profit architectural salvage company.

http://charlotte.news14.com/content/local_news/triad/628480/group-salvages-old-buildings

California Architectural Salvage

2010-06-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

Pasadena Architectural Salvage moved! Their new address is 2600 E. Foothill Blvd. in Pasadena. At the same time, Janice and Skip Willett of Architectural Detail, another salvager, posted this information on their website. "Architectural Detail and 'Gayles' Pasadena Architectural Salvage are joining forces and moving into one building at 2600 E. Foothill Blvd in Pasadena, California.

We will open June 8th. We hope this merger will be very beneficial and convenient for everyone."

Sounds like a lot of great salvage in one convenient location.

New York City Architectural Salvage

2010-06-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

Follow this link to a really interesting article in today's NY Daily News about Urban Archaeology's Gil Shapiro.

Architectural Salvage Stone

2010-04-13T03:17:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey Barberi (jeff.barberi@sbcglobal.net) of Barberi Brothers Demolition in Waterford, Conn, contacted me with some stone that might be of interest. The information he provided is below.

"We have a collection of approximately 150 pieces of hand cut granite foundation stone,steps and misc brown stone. Age of stone is between 100 and 200 years old. We salvaged most of these stones during demolition of homes in the Fort Trumbull area in New London, CT. The stones vary in size up to 11 feet long. We are asking $45,000.00 for all the stones.We prefer to sell them all together."

Article about Architectural Salvage House

2010-04-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Great article in the Wall Street Journal about a house built from salvage -- before it was chic to do so! Click here for the link.

Hospital Salvage

2009-12-02T08:08:00.000-08:00

A 1920's hospital tower in California is slated for demolition. The architects said they're going to salvage some of historic elements for incorporation into the new project. An opportunity for someone to rescue the architectural elements that aren't being reused? The news release is here.

Architectural Salvage Auction

2009-11-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia's Kamelot Auctions is holding their annual Architecturals auction this Saturday, Nov. 21. Lots of interesting items, in addition to the unique architectural artifacts, like this antique copper piece, from around the world.

Salvage Guide Info

2009-10-30T11:51:00.000-07:00

Click on the flyer below to read about the prices and new ad deadline for the Annual Guide. Thanks!

Mystery Stove

2009-10-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

So, we're told this is a ceramic coal heater. But what no one seems to know is if it's American or European and from what time period? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

New issue of Architectural Salvage News

2009-10-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of Architectural Salvage News is on the streets. We're working on adding the issue to our website for paying subscribers. If you're interested in subscribing, get info here Subscribe to ASN.

Salvage Begins on Philly Mansion

2009-09-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

Salvage work has begun on Philly's LaRonda mansion. I wrote about this controversial salvage in an earlier post. The link to the Philadelphia Inquirer article is below. The article says the salvager is a N.J. company, and I've confirmed that's true after speaking with the owner of that company. Their comments were off the record so I can't disclose who the salvager is.
La Ronda Article

2009-09-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

2009-08-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

Who Has Salvage Rights To Philly Mansion?

2009-08-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that the Addison Mizner-designed, 1929 La Ronda mansion on Philadelphia's Main Line is slated for demolition and that architectural salvage rights have already been awarded. Anyone know who has the salvage rights? There's has been a last-minute flurry of activity with a potential buyer surfacing who wants to move the massive structure. I don't think it will happen.

Inquirer Article Link

East Coast Salvager Has to Relocate

2009-08-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

Second Chance, the big architectural salvager that occupies several warehouses in Baltimore, is going to have to relocate because a casino is going to be built on the city-owned land they presently occupy. Click here for the Baltimore Sun article.

Salvage Uproar on Staten Island

2009-08-12T07:26:00.001-07:00

The New York Times has an interesting post on their blog about a "misunderstanding" that developed when some architectural salvagers went to remove items on Staten Island recently.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/07/removal-of-objects-at-snug-harbor-stirs-uproar/

Value of Salvage Timber

2009-07-31T13:36:00.000-07:00

The Roanoke (Va.) Times has a great article today about the demolition of the old feed mills in Roanoke. Robert Kulp of Black Dog Salvage is quoted providing a value on the reclaimed, antique timbers that are being harvested from the mill.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/213682

Architectural Salvage Philadelphia

2009-07-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Joel at Oley Valley Architectural Antiques (http://www.oleyvalleyantiques.com/) for alerting me to this one.

Does the Philadelphia Police Department hold any fond memories for you? Have you been searching for a 30' long curved reception desk? If so, today's your day. The Philadelphia Police Department is selling the front reception desk of their Police Administration Building. It was installed when the building was constructed in 1962. It has a slight curve and is about 30 feet in length. They are trying to sell this piece as soon as possible. The Police contact info is below.

If you want info on the desk, contact:Sgt Ray Evers Public Affairs
raymond.evers@phila.gov
215-686-3377

Antique Hardware Auction

2009-07-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of antique hardware, then you're probably familiar with the name Web Wilson. (http://www.webwilson.com/)

Web has one of his regularly scheduled antique hardware auctions underway with some pretty cool stuff. The photo of this figural knob, courtesy of Web Wilson and Antiques Yes, is one of the items being sold.

If you're in the market to add to your antique hardware collection, or to get it started, or to just fix a door, you might want to check out the salvaged hardware and bidding at http://www.antiquesyes.com/auctionsearch.php?posted=1&basicsearch=&searchok_x=11&searchok_y=7

The bidding ends in three days.

http://www.blogcatalog.com/directory/home_and_garden/decorating

Here's a Cool Architectural Salvage Website

2009-07-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of great architectural salvage and antique lumber websites out there. The email newsletters that Eric Nordstrom of Urban Remains in Chicago has been sending out have really caught my eye -- both for the professionalism of the site's photos and design, and for the very unique salvage, much of it industrial. Check them out at http://www.urbanremainschicago.com/. This photo is just one of many from their website.

Salvaged Lumber from Snowfences

2009-07-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

Where I grew up in New Jersey, the road department would come around every fall and erect snow fences in the open farm fields bordering our rural back roads. (The snowfences pictured above are not N.J. snowfences!) The fences in N.J. were made out of very thin pieces of wood held together by wire and were about four feet tall. When the big snows and wind came, the fences would do their jobs by trapping snow and preventing it from piling up on the roads. When winter was over, the snow fences would be rolled up by hand and stored until next winter.

So, when I heard about a company (http://www.centennialwoods.com/) making a variety of reclaimed wood products, including floors, from old snow fences, I was somewhat surprised, given that the snow fences I was familiar with were too flimsy to use for anything but kindling once their useful life was over. What I didn't realize was that the company was in Wyoming, and using reclaimed wood from Wyoming snowfences.

As you can see from this photo from Centennial Woods, Wyoming's snows and snowfences are MUCH larger than what I'm used to.

This is another unique example of all the various, surprising sources that exist for reclaimed and/or antique lumber. You can read more about antique lumber at http://www.architecuralsalvagenews.com/

Architectural Salvage Thefts A Problem in Vancouver

2007-12-10T06:18:00.001-08:00

The theft of architectural salvage from historic buildings is a problem in Vancouver, as reported today in The Globe and Mail. Read the complete story here.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071210.wbcsalvage10/BNStory/National/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20071210.wbcsalvage10

Update: Fire Destroys One of Olde Good Things’ Architectural Salvage Warehouses

2007-12-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

SCRANTON, Penn. – Fire destroyed an Olde Good Things’ warehouse used to store architectural antiques at their Scranton, Penn., headquarters Tuesday night, Dec. 4. No one was injured in the fire. The building and its contents were a total loss.

The three-story warehouse at Ninth Avenue between Linden Street and West Lackawanna Avenue is separate from the larger warehouses at the company’s national warehouse and headquarters at 400 Gilligan St., also in Scranton.

“This was a big fire,” says Scranton Fire Chief Tom Davis. “The building, I would say, was about 200-feet wide by 100 or so feet long. It was a big, warehouse type building, a three-story dwelling on one end with an attachment that used to be a bingo hall on the other.”

A news release the company distributed read, “We at Olde Good Things are very thankful to Jesus that none of the employees, firemen or neighbors were hurt in the warehouse fire, and that there was no damage to our neighbors’ property.”

Davis says that when firefighters arrived there was heavy, black smoke pouring from the building and that firefighters opened overhead doors and windows to try and get at the fire. Firefighters on the roof had to abandon that position though because the smoke was too heavy.

“When the air hit the heat, it just exploded into flames,” Davis says. “It was an inferno for two hours.”

The Times-Tribune newspaper in Scranton reported in its Thursday, Dec. 6, edition that Olde Good Things President Kevin Browne said that the company would examine the building and move on. The Times-Tribune also reported in its Dec. 7 edition in a follow-up story that workers were renovating the warehouse.

On Wednesday, Davis said that the fire appears accidental but that he can’t say for sure at this time until the investigation is complete, something that will take some time, in part because the basement is filled with 12-feet of water from fighting the fire.

“What we do when we get to a fire and it’s out of control is we just lay on an air horn and that tells all the firefighters to get out,” Davis explains. “It’s then what we call a ‘surround and drown fire’ but it results in it being a total loss for the property owner.”

Davis estimates that six engines and three aerial ladder trucks, including one from neighboring Dunmore Fire Department, were on the scene Tuesday night. Firefighters and investigators remained on the scene Wednesday.

Link to The Times-Tribune (Scranton, Pa.) article -- http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19089316&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415898&rfi=6

Olde Good Things Architectural Salvage Warehouse Burns

2007-12-05T04:04:00.000-08:00

Olde Good Things had a massive fire at one of their Scranton, Pa., warehouses last night. I'll provide more deatails as I have them. For now, here's the link to the story in this morning's Scranton daily paper.

New York Times Salvage Article

2007-02-22T05:17:00.000-08:00

Great article in today's New York Times about New York City's architectural salvage scene. Focuses on Gil Shapiro, founder of Urban Archaeology, and also mentions Kevin Browne from Olde Good Things and Evan Blum from Demolition Depot. Here's the link.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/22/garden/22salvage.html?ref=garden

New Issue of Architectural Salvage News

2007-02-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

First, my apologies for it having been so long since the last post to this blog. We've been hard at work this winter on the latest issue of Architectural Salvage News, and on the first annual 2007 Directory of Architectural Salvage and Antique Lumber Companies. Information about both are available at either www.architecturalsalvagenews.com and www.architecturalsalvagedirectory.com

Calling All Salvagers -- Free 1890's House to Salvage

2006-11-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

Salvage Web, http://www.salvageweb.com/ , has a posting on their website's "Exchange" page advertising free salvage rights to a 1890's home in Mississippi. The complete posting from that ad, and a link to the ad, both appear below. Architectural Salvage News is not affiliated with Salvage Web.

http://www.salvageweb.com/RC/viewad.asp?id=1001966281102012

Complete southern home built circa 1890. 1800 sq ft home in Brooksville, MS is scheduled for demolition . House is in good condition. Church has no further use for the house. house movers are non-existent due to Katrina. house, all french doors, molding, etc is being sold to anyone that will dismantle. no local markets for such. can send pictures and more details. will trade complete removal for salvage rights if requested. must have insurance, etc.

Artifacts From Detroit's Tiger Stadium To Be Auctioned

2006-11-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

Sources in Detroit tell Architectural Salvage News that the City of Detroit will have DuMouchelles Fine Art Auctioneers, http://www.dumouchelle.com, also of Detroit, auction architectural items and other memorabilia from the defunct Tiger Stadium. No word yet on when the auction will take place or what items will be up for grabs.

Your Antique Floor, Courtesy of Old Railroad Ties

2006-11-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of thousands, and perhaps millions, of old railroad ties might be headed from Europe to the U.S. antique lumber market if one importer has his way. It seems the government of this European country is replacing every railroad tie across the country, and is looking for something to do with the old ties. Unlike ties used in the U.S., these ties are made from tropical hardwoods, are very old, and have not been creosote treated, making them potential candidates for remilling and reuse by this country's hot antique lumber market. This story is still developing and I'll provide an update as more info becomes available.

New (sort of) Salvager Opens in Philly

2006-11-01T19:15:00.000-08:00

American Soil http://www.americansoil.net/ has opened an architectural salvage store in Philly called Provenance at 1610 Fairmount Ave., (215) 236-6677. While it's a new store, American Soil has been in the salvage business, among others, for a while, hence my "sort of" in the headline. On American Soil's website, click on "architectural salvage." Presently, they're selling treasures from Philadelphia's landmark Divine Lorraine Hotel. I don't think Provenance has been open very long as it was never on Architectural Salvage News' radar before I saw an article about Provenance in Philadelphia Weekly. http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/view.php?id=13214. With as much architectural history as the City of Brotherly Love has, I've always been surprised that there aren't more architectural salvage retailers doing business here. Looks like that is starting to change. Best wishes for much success!

Antique Doorknob Prices Going Up

2006-10-31T05:42:00.000-08:00

In a classic example of supply and demand, the prices for large quantities of antique doorknobs of any condition have made some big moves upward recently and the trend will probably continue. Seems there are several companies out there using the knobs as components in a number of different pieces -- everything from walking canes, to coat racks to wine stoppers. These companies are buying large quantities of knobs and that demand is driving prices north. Glass, metal or wood, painted or chipped, it doesn't matter, as long as it's old. I recently tried to act as a middleman and use my connections to secure a large quantity of knobs for a buyer, and make a little money for my efforts, and found two things. One, large quantities, i.e. hundreds or thousands, are difficult to come by, and two, prices on even the lower quality knobs have already gone up because most dealers are aware of the demand.

November December Issue Arrives in Two Weeks

2006-10-30T17:24:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of Architectural Salvage News -- the November/December issue -- is in production and should be hitting the streets, mailboxes and salvage stores in about two and a half weeks.

As for some of the latest industry happenings, word on the street is that Tony's Architectural Salvage in Orange, Calif., is planning a massive, two-day auction in January to clear out all their inventory in preparation for Tony's retirement. I haven't been to Tony's yet, and I haven't met him in person, but I have talked with him at length on several occasions. Tony's passionate about salvage, has incredible contacts and is a character whom I really enjoy talking with. http://www.tonysarchitecturalsalvage.com/

I was sorry to see that the former partners of Ty and Eric's Architectural Salvage have gone their seperate ways after just a short time in business. No word on what happened, but Eric is still operating the business at the same location in Indianapolis. He'll have a new website soon but for now it's: http://www.tyanderics.com

Rumor and speculation has it that Olde Good Things might be getting ready to expand again, this time to Miami. I don't know of anything official, but I'll check with General Manager Kevin Browne and let you know. They just salvaged a 1940's resort in Miami. http://www.oldegoodthings.com/newsletter17.htm