Sarasota Architectural Salvage .... One Man's Junk.....

Small businesses are what make America such a country of opportunity for anyone willing to invest time and money in a product they believe in.  One of my most favorite destinations is Sarasota Architectural Salvage, a company that profits from the old adage, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”  This wonderland of lighting, doo-dads, nautical items, yard decorations and thousands of items salvaged from demolition projects and homes undergoing remodeling is a treasure trove for impossible to find items and things you never even knew existed.  Located at 1093 Central Avenue in downtown Sarasota, it is just a short trip from my office so I try to stop in to Sarasota Architectural Salvage once a month because I never know what I will find.  For 16 years I collected oversized Christmas ornaments made by an artist who produced one per year. Whimsical and beautiful, they were too heavy and yet delicate to hang on a Christmas tree.  In my mind I could see ametal “tree” with enough “limbs” to hang them from but could never find one tall enough.  Today, there it was.  In need of paint but exactly what my mind’s eye had been envisioning all these years.  Other people come here in search of antique and period windows, doors and building materials to lovingly restore old homes with using authentic parts and pieces. The staff are exceedingly helpful and friendly, the store consists of a huge indoor warehouse type building along with outside areas for garden and stone items and today was “Tropical Day.”  The fish taco truck was parked out front and there was free beer, soft drinks and water for everyone.  I did not need the beer to convince me to buy my “Christmas Tree” and this December I will be able to show it to you in all its restored glory with the amazing ornaments finally on display. Please take a look at the website to get an idea of the wonderful items available. http:www.sarasotasalvage.com/about.php //