Vintage building materials have become quite popular, inspiring online catalog stores producing new “old” materials on a large scale. We have a plethora of catalogs coming through with companies specializing in this area. Restoration Hardware is probably the best known. Other companies such as Pottery Barn are providing products in this line as well, though they are not making this niche their sole product. The advantages to these reproductions are that they are made from modern materials reducing concerns about possible lead paint and about improper wiring in older electrical fixtures.
If you truly want vintage architectural items, there are firms that specialize in that as well. Firms such as Doc’s Architectural Salvage & Reclamation Services and Architectural Antiques, both in the Indianapolis area have warehouses full of reclaimed architectural treasures. These are both large scale salvage operations where you can spend hours browsing through thousands of items. On a local level, check out the Habitat for Humanity’s Restores. Locally, there is a Restore in Plymouth in the old Plymouth Lumber building on Walnut Street just southwest of downtown. In South Bend, the Restore is on South Main Street and is set up much like an old department store. You can also find the occasional architectural focal point at local antique shops mixed in with furniture and other historic items.
