20 Nov as 2025 draws to a close, urban remains remains the last standing “salvage” shop in the chicagoland area
over the past twenty years i’ve seen one architectural salvage store after another close for one reason or another. each and every time i receive word that a shop folds, i’m both angry and sad, with the worst being jan’s antiques in fulton market. i will forever miss her and the charming chaos that surrounded her.
there are so many 19th and early 20th century buildings in chicago that will always be in need of period pieces – from faucet handles to fireplaces… i remain hopeful someone will come along and fill a very large void.
i gave up on it long ago – or my body did – and i’m thankful and content with the fine-tuned brick-and-mortar gallery, private museum and a website showcasing historically important architectural artifacts and ephemera revolving around first and second generation “chicago school” skyscrapers.
2005:
2015:
2025:
