Architectural Salvage Announces Closing After 28 Years of Reclaiming History in San Diego
Architectural Salvage, a pioneer in San Diego’s vintage and reclaimed interior scene, has announced its planned closure after 28 years with a Celebration Sale from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday, and Saturday, January 12 and 13; and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, January 14 at 2401 Kettner Boulevard in Little Italy.
Founded by artist and historic preservationist Elizabeth Scalice, this beloved store has been a treasure trove for adventurous homeowners, restoration enthusiasts, and designers, offering an array of unique, reclaimed vintage pieces for homes, restaurants, and gardens.
“For 28 years, we’ve been an integral part of San Diego’s story, helping to restore pieces of its heart and soul,” reflects owner Elizabeth Scalice. “Saying goodbye is bittersweet, but I’m filled with pride and gratitude for our community’s support. This upcoming sale is our way of expressing thanks and celebrating everything we’ve cherished together.”
Architectural Salvage’s eclectic inventory includes everything from windows and bathtubs to doorknobs and light fixtures, sourced from locales as varied as abandoned nunneries, the streets of Egypt, and the markets of Budapest. The store’s commitment to environmental stewardship and landfill diversion was recognized with the San Diego Earth Award in 2004.
Gaining a diverse following over the years, the store has attracted everyone from first-time homeowners to celebrities like Barbara Streisand, Bill Murray, and Tom Waites, and has been featured in The New York Times, Departures, and numerous regional publications. Cohn Restaurant Group has been a frequent client, with reclaimed pieces from the store featured in San Diego foodie hotspots like Craft & Commerce.
Scalice’s mission at Architectural Salvage went beyond retail; it was about promoting the strongest form of environmental consumerism through reuse. The store has also been a vital part of the historic preservation movement in San Diego, helping countless homeowners restore and maintain the city’s architectural heritage. This commitment was exemplified in her own home renovation project, the William and Ida Cook House in Mission Hills, a notable endeavor that won her a SOHO People in Preservation Award in 2011.
The three-day event will include slices of cake for visitors, deep discounts on inventory, and an opportunity to reflect on the store’s legacy with owner Elizabeth Scalice. Patrons are invited to bring in photos of their cherished finds, especially those of Patina the cat, a beloved early fixture of the store from its early days at the corner of Grape and India Streets, to create a shared memory board.
For more information, visit www.architecturalsalvagesd.com or call (619) 696-1313.
Category: Architecture, Art, Events, Featured Articles, Historical, Housing, Interior Design, Life Style, Local News, Sustainability
