(because we are always looking for stuff).

This is an evolving list of architectural salvage purveyors. I’m mostly familiar with places along the east coast (for obvious reasons), but there is great salvage to be had all over, including a treasure trove in south east Michigan (but before I share that one with you, I’ll need 3 character references and also a brief statement of your intentions. Kidding! Sort of)

Anyway, here it goes:

New York City:

Build it Green – it’s convenient to get to, with two outposts, one in Queens and one in Brooklyn. You can find some interesting stuff, such as an old bowling alley floor, or a decommissioned pay phone (yep, both came home with me). It’s a total crap shoot in terms of what you may find. Every now and then there will be treasures to find. Their stuff tends to be expensive, but sometimes they will negotiate. In my opinion, it’s a place for fun browsing, but lately it’s been disappointing.

Roy Vaccaro’s New York Old Iron – located across the street from Build it Green’s Brooklyn store, this place is under the elevated F train tracks, adjacent to the Gowanus Lowe’s. They have a lot of bathroom fixtures, a huge assortment of old metal bits (fencing, newel posts, radiators), and also a wild mix of old things, from junk to treasures. We bought our victorian ice box there. The hours are wonky, so it’s best to call before you go: 917.837.3039

Eddie’s  on Greene Ave in Brooklyn: Eddie is the best place to find an old door. Unfortunately, he is moving from his current location, and no word on whether he will set up shot elsewhere.  CLOSED. After moving to a spot on Atlantic and Utica, I just learned that Eddie’s closed for good. 

The Demolition Depot – their location on 125th street offers many levels of old things, plus a lot of cats. Some very nice high end stuff, but with high end prices to match. We never bought anything here, but it’s a fun place to visit.

Olde Good Things – we used to visit the store way before buying a house. So many pretty things to see, but the stuff is also not cheap. Their warehouse is in Scranton, PA and open by appointment only. I’ve always been curious about what they have there.

Urban Archeology – beautiful stuff, but style-wise doesn’t go with our house. Also, well curated and priced accordingly.

Random dumpster – seriously. There is no shame in picking through dumpsters. Even better if you can catch the stuff before it goes in. From my experience, demo crews are more than happy (and sometimes slightly amused) to see people take this stuff. There is so much construction happening in Brooklyn, a lot of the good stuff I find comes directly from the source. Best of all, it’s free! Yes, it makes me sad that period detail is being gutted out of buildings, but at least it’s coming home with me, rather than ending up at the trash dump.

New York State

Zabroski Emporium (Kingston, NY) – This place is absolutely enormous and they have everything. Literally. Everything. It can get a bit pricy, but you can always negotiate.

Fed-On Lights  (Saugerties, NY) – lots and lots of light fixtures. Some bathroom stuff (marble top sinks, the odd clawfoot tub). But most lights. So. Many. Lights.

Historic Albany Foundation Parts Warehouse (Albany, NY) – I love this place! It’s super organized and a good place for doors and windows. They also had a good assortment of door hardware. If you are going to trek over there, make sure they are open. The hours are limited, but it’s worth the trip.

Silver Fox Salvage (Albany, NY) – I haven’t been her (yet) but it looks interesting. If you’re heading to Albany, might be worth a stop.

Habitat ReStore – If you’re in Albany, there is also a Habitat for Humanity ReStore shop. Like other ReStore locations, it’s a crap shoot, but you never know unless you go. It’s the thrill of the hunt. Or so I tell myself.

ReHouse Architectural Salvage (Rochester, NY) – Haven’t been. If you’re familiar with it, please share in the comments.

Historic House Parts (Rochester, NY) – I’ve spent a lot of time on their website, but have yet to make the trip up there. They are open M-Sat, 9:30 – 6.

Significant Elements (Ithaca, NY) – Looks interesting. It is a part of Historic Ithaca, so if it’s anything like the Parts Warehouse, this could be a good resource. Haven’t been. Have you? If so, please share. If you are in the area, you can also check out these random Flea Markets , because who doesn’t love a good flea find?

Fort Plain Antiques and Salvage. Fort Plain is more or less half way between Albany and Utica (had to Google it). If you happen to be out that way, might be a worthwhile stop, but it doesn’t seem to merit a special trip, since it’s almost 4 hours from Brooklyn. I’m judging by the website, but I could be wrong.

New Jersey

Salvage Angel by the Sea – a large variety of salvage and decor items located in Asbury Park, NJ. The hours are limited, so make sure you check before you go.

Recycling the Past – a good selection of tiles. If you’re trying to find missing tiles for your fireplaces, this is a good place to start.

Massachusetts

New England Demotion and Salvage (NEDS) – New Bedford, MA. They have a million tubs (I’m not exaggerating), and a lot of interesting stuff. However, the owner has been looking to retire and may or may not close the business. Their website is down, but their Facebook page is still active. As of now, the business is still open. CLOSED 

Restoration Resources – Boston, MA

New Hampshire

Nor’East Architectural Salvage – South Hampton, NH (close to the Massachusetts border). It’s about 4 1/2 hours from New York City, yet I don’t have a good explanation as to why I’ve never visited. It looks like they have good stuff.

Architectural Salvage, Inc – Exeter, NH. Not a lot on their website, but if you’re out that way, why not?

Vermont

Architectural Salvage Warehouse – Essex Junction, VT

Maine

Old House Parts – Kennebunk, ME. I don’t much care for lobster, but I would go to Maine for their architectural salvage.

Portland Salvage – Portland, ME. First I thought meh. But upon further digging, I think this could be interesting. The website is not great, but that might not be a bad thing.

Architectural Antiques – Harborside ME. Lots of pretty sinks. Judging from website, their warehouse seems lovely.

Antique Victorian Lighting – Kennebunk, ME. A fellow old house dweller, whom I greatly admire, says “it’s all about lighting.” So there you go.