Rebuilding Exchange Blog

Another Old Growth Creation by Nolan Wells

2012-01-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

This table was created by Nolan Wells out of old growth Douglas Fir that came out of a Church deconstruction project. Kimball Ave. Church was built in Logan Sq. in 1901. When the building started sinking, the congregation opted for deconstruction.

The way he left the rough sawn edge turned out beautifully. It captures the age of the lumber because you can see the saw mill markings. Thanks for the photos Nolan!

"The Heart, Still" by Jonas Sebura and Alex Gartelmann

2011-11-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

This installation was created by Jonas Sebura and Alex Gartelmann for the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. It was made all out of RX reclaimed materials such as old sub floor and vinyl siding. For more info on the artists and their piece visit: jonassebura.com

ICON Modern and RX Lumber

2011-10-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

Check out these tables made by Icon Modern. They were crafted out of RX lumber that was salvaged from an industrial building in Indiana. For more info: Icon Modern

Academy for Global Citizenship and RX Made Peace Bench

2011-10-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

This bench was made by the RX training program for the Academy For Global Citizenship. The students painted it to celebrate their Peace Day.

Academy for Global Citizenship
4647 West 47th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60632

New Fall Workshop Series at the RX

2011-08-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce an amazing array of DIY workshops starting NOW! There are classes available in everything from sewing, bike maintenance, electrical, build a rustic mirror, coffee table or bench. The possibilities are endless. For more info click here to and you can download the whole schedule: RX Workshops SIGN UP TODAY!

Bughouse Ceramics Studio supports RX training program

2011-08-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

A few months ago Andrea and her husband Dan came into the RX looking for furniture to go in there ceramics studio. They decided on the benches and table made by our job training program. The old growth lumber went well with the organic look they had in mind. They have now opened the Bughouse Studio at 4845 Oakton Street in Skokie IL 60077.
For more info click: The Bug House Art Studio

Join the ReBuilding Exchange for an Antique and Flea Market!

2011-07-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

For more information, please contact meegan@rebuildingexchange.org or call us!

Design for Reuse Knowledge Exchange

2011-05-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

Public Architecture just released a new e-resource, the Design for Reuse Knowledge Exchange.

Check out their fantastic library of projects online!

The Design for Reuse Knowledge Exchange is an evolving, online encyclopedia of material reuse projects throughout the world. This exchange features a growing number of project profiles, insights from the field and resources.

Public Architecture is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in San Francisco. It engages architecture firms, nonprofits, and manufacturers to commit to design for the public good through its nationally recognized 1% program; it acts to bring about positive community change through public-interest design initiatives and pro bono design service grants; and it shares the potential of design to change the world through advocacy and outreach.

http://www.publicarchitecture.org/reuse/

PUBLIC BREWERY - Workshops in May

2011-05-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

(From Gapers Block) http://gapersblock.com/ac/2011/04/29/when-art-meets-hops/
By Britt Julious

If Chicago is a beer city, then our status is one that is in a state of flux. Although our selection is on par with other cities of similar size, our mass breweries are far outpaced by towns with more-established emerging and DIY breweries. However, the number of smaller breweries continues to grow with each year and home brewing has increasingly expanded as an option for the individual or groups more deeply invested in a hands-on and locally sourced means of food production.

For his latest community-oriented project, artist Christopher Tourre aims to bring the culture of the home brewery to the masses. Entitled PUBLIC BREWERY, Tourre organized a temporary and experimental brewery that includes a series of workshops and gatherings at the Spoke's Residency Project Space that will allow guests to brew their own beer or soda using either their own ingredients or locally produced food items such as cherries, honey, and crabapple blossom syrup.

Tourre considers himself to be a "social aggregator," a role that combines his artistic background (MFA from the University of Illinois at Chicago) with a desire to create and facilitate artistic projects around the idea of community and social gathering. In a recent collaborative project at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Chicago as part of Unit 2 Collective, Tourre used the discarded scraps of discarded scraps of torn down homes in Chicago from The Rebuilding Exchange to create objects. The gallery space was then constructed as an open studio forum for people to design and build furniture.

For his latest project, Tourre's goal was to take, "disparate groups of people that have similar thought processes but don't necessarily run in the same social circles," and bring them together. Beer is a communal and social drink with an extensive history behind its production and popularity throughout the world.

Tourre's interests began in wine production but were steered towards beer brewing, in part, because of its communicable status. Tourre's interest in beer as a material for art production and idea creation also stems from the drink's presence at openings. "You go to an art event and there's beer but what about an art event where the beer is the art?" Tourre asked. He purchased a home brewing kit from Bev Art (also a sponsor for PUBLIC BREWERY) and began experimenting in brewing. After first testing brews made from water collected from a nature reserve in Wisconsin at assorted local events, Tourre then began hosting workshops out of his home. The workshops were more of an experiential process rather than a hands-on project as guests were allowed to see and ask questions about the brewing process in an informal setting.
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During the workshops, Tourre learned that the ingredients in the brews were very important to the guests and this knowledge will affect the workshops for PUBLIC BREWERY. Ingredients to be used for the beer and soda include cherries picked from a Humboldt Park resident, malted honey and local honey from beekeeper Donna Oppolo of the Pilsen Beekeepers Association, and crabapple blossom syrup donated by the Chicago Rarities Orchard Project (CROP) in Logan Square. In addition to creating their brews and sodas, guests have the chance to speak with some of the food growers who will be providing their items to the workshops. Participants can also bring their own ingredients to be used in the creation of their own brews. Tourre says that a small amount, about one pound per gallon, should be fine and guests have the option of working on a smaller level. Although every brew will not be completed during the scheduled workshops, guests can schedule a time to work together with Tourre to receive their finished brews.

A final exhibition (TBD) at the end of the month will not only display the "development and accumulation of artifacts, materials, documentation, and research" that went into the brewery, it will also be a change for workshop participants to taste the fruits of the labor.
--
Spoke Residency Project Space is located at 119 North Peoria, #3D.

List of workshops:
Saturday, April 30th, 3-8pm
Humboldt Park Cherry Pale Ale
21+, $5 entry fee

Saturday, May 7, 3-8pm
Pilsen Beekeeper's Ale
21+, $5 entry fee

Saturday, May 21, 12-3pm
Crabapple Blossom Soda
This workshop is open to all ages and families with children are strongly encouraged to attend. $5 per family/group

In addition to the workshops, members of the public may stop by the Spoke Residency Project Space to chat with artist Christopher Tourre to learn more about the brewing process as he brews specialty batches of beer.

Open studio brewing:
Friday, May 6th, 6-10pm
Friday, May 20th, 6-10pm

ReBuilding Exchange Workshop - May 7th

2011-04-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

Reuse Project - Chicken Coop

2011-04-20T13:58:00.001-07:00

Customers John and Rachel Reed made this chicken coop from ReBuilding Exchange materials!

Reuse Project - Kitchen Island

2011-03-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

Customer Tom Casten made this great looking kitchen island from some reclaimed granite and kitchen cabinets from the ReBuilding Exchange.

Reuse Project - Electronaut Company

2011-03-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

The ReBuilding Exchange's job training program teaches people transitioning out of the criminal justice system new skills in building deconstruction, sustainable reuse practices and woodworking.

For their woodworking training module, under the tutelage of instructor, Cynthia Main, the trainees often work on projects for real clients, including educational kits for the Illinois Library Association, a conference table for television programs such as Chicago Newsroom and this desk for Electronaut Company.

More information about our job training program can be found on our website at www.rebuildingexchange.org And check out Electronaut Company at www.electronaut.info

Build a Bench Workshop - April 2nd

2011-03-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

The ReBuilding Exchange presents as part of a new series of educational workshops, Build a Bench! on Saturday, April 2nd, hosted by Blake Sloane.

ReBuilding Exchange in Apartment Therapy!

2011-03-21T09:51:00.001-07:00

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/marketplace/rebuilding-exchange-an-upcyclers-paradise-store-profile-141888

Pictures from ReBuild 2011

2011-03-15T13:14:00.000-07:00

Oh what fun we had! 400 people filled the warehouse on Saturday night to help us warm our new home and celebrate the big move. Pictures of the event are on our website
http://rebuildingexchange.org/rebuild2011.html
Thanks to photographer, Paul Strabbing, for capturing the evening so well!

And for those of you who visited the reuse photo booth, here is the online album of all the great shots by photographer, Justin Schmitz
https://picasaweb.google.com/photobooth.schmitz/ReBuildingExchange

Reuse Project - Pot Hanger

2011-03-15T13:12:00.001-07:00

This was made by customer, Damien Casten of Candid Wines from ReBuilding Exchange reclaimed lumber. Compare the price of these materials and joy of making it on a Spring weekend versus buying it for a pretty penny at a big retail outlet. Come on down and get your materials this weekend. We're open 10am-6pm.

Our signs are up! Come on down and see us at 2160 N. Ashland!

2011-03-07T12:08:00.001-08:00

Reuse Project - Credenza

2011-03-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

Raun Meyn of FoundRe: made this gorgeous credenza with raw materials from the ReBuilding Exchange. http://foundrefurnishings.com/home.html

The second piece is made from old growth 1x12's and some house siding from a 1920's bungalow in Oak Park.

Coffee Table Project

2011-02-14T10:46:00.000-08:00

Bethany Horning made this coffee table from a window from the ReBuilding Exchange. The materials used for the base of the table were found on the roadside. She replicated Roy Lichtenstein's Trompe L'oeil with Léger Head and Paintbrush, and gave it her own twist.

ReBuild 2011 - Join us!

2011-02-14T10:41:00.000-08:00

Join us on March 12th for ReBuild 2011! The ReBuilding Exchange's 3rd Annual Celebration and Fundraiser.

The ReBuilding Exchange invites you to celebrate another great year and help us warm our new house at 2160 N. Ashland where we’ll be moving next month.

The event will feature live music with Black Bear Combo, DJ Naomi Walker, fabulous silent auction, food and refreshments, and fun!

Get tickets online now until 3/11. Tickets are $32.50 ($40 at the door) www.rebuildingexchange.org/rebuild2011

Call For Volunteers at the NEW SPACE! The ReBuilding Exchange needs you!

2011-01-25T11:07:00.000-08:00

The ReBuilding Exchange is moving and we need your help!
Over the next 6 weeks, we will be moving to a new location at 2160 N. Ashland. We are scheduling a number of group volunteer days which will include activities like painting, organizing materials, cleaning and loading and unloading trucks.
The first 2 days will be February 5th and 12th, 10am-6pm, and the volunteer shifts will happen at the 2160 N. Ashland warehouse.
Please RSVP to meegan@rebuildingexchange.org and let us know if you can make it. If neither of those days work for you, but you are interested in volunteering another time, please let us know and we can make arrangements for you or your group.
A few things to keep in mind before you come:
* Always wear closed-toed shoes. Work boots are great; steel-toed shoes are best.
* Wear your grungiest old clothes. Plan on getting dirty.
* Bring work gloves if you have them. (We have extras, but it’s nice to wear your own.)
* Bring a water bottle.
* When you get here, please complete and sign our volunteer application form, if you have not done so in the past. Copies are available at the front desk of the warehouse.
* Be sure to sign in when you arrive and sign out when you leave. A sign in/out notebook is also at the front desk. (We use this information to track volunteer hours for grants, etc.)
* BE SAFE! We are a very safety conscious organization. The nature of our inventory in the warehouse means that there are nails, sharp corners, tripping hazards, and sometimes unstable piles. If you lift anything, be sure to use safe lifting techniques. Know your restrictions. If you aren’t sure, ask a staff person. Be alert.
And if you have old blankets, towels or sturdy boxes you’d like to donate, please bring them!
Thanks so much for your support!

Elisa Boughner makes a studio floor out of RX flooring

2011-01-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

Elisa used her creative eye to her advantage when she visited the ReBuilding Exchange. She took all the left over bundles that had no match and put them together to form this amazing studio/ gallery floor. The use of all these different pieces adds a little extra work but also adds some extra room in the budget.

To see more of Elisa's artwork:

www.boughnerart.com
www.facebook.com/boughnerart

Aritist Jim Dee makes frames from RX lumber

2011-01-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

Artist Jim Dee created frames for his oil paintings out of our reclaimed lumber. To see more of Jim's paintings check out his website: www.jimdeeart.com

Gene Pellegrene's Bench made from RX lumber

2010-12-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

Another great creation by Gene Pellegrene from reclaimed old growth douglas fir 2x4's. This method of using end grain cuts of lumber is a great way to use up some of the smallest pieces of wood. To see more of Gene's handy work check our his website: www.artistpainters.tumblr.com or if you are interested in hiring him for a custom build you can email him at: genepellegrene@hotmail.com

Wine Rack Design Participants

2010-12-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

Earlier this November we teamed up with LivingRoom Realty and Candid Wines for our first ever Wine Rack Design Competition. It turned out to be a lovely night filled with great designs made from our reclaimed materials, delicious organic wines by Candid Wines, fresh beats, great company, and good fund-raising. Below are some photos of the designs.

Design By: Kate Votava and Craig Hamilton
http://modifiedoriginals.wordpress.com/

Design by: Evan Ward
www.make26.com

Design By: Gabriel Akagawa
http://gabriel-akagawa.wikispaces.com/

Design by: Richard McGinnis

Design by : Heather Mullins
www.heathermullins.com

Reclaimed bed frame by Whitney Gaylord

2010-12-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

Another great creation by Whitney Gaylord from RX lumber. To see more of her handy work look her website: www.whitneygaylord.com

Build Your Own Reclaimed Frame

2010-11-17T12:47:00.001-08:00

December 18th 11:00-2:00 at the ReBuilding Exchange
Get into the holiday spirit with our hands on frame building workshop. In this workshop, Raun Meyn will instruct you in how to build a 8x10" frame out of reclaimed materials from the ReBuilding Exchange. Handmade gifts are the best way to show you care and you can take home the skills to build more. This workshop costs $45.00 and includes all materials.

To see more of Raun's craftsmenship, check out his website: http://foundrefurnishings.com/home.html

To RSVP: email Meegan at meegan@rebuildingexchange.org

Karl Emanuel's Table from RX Lumber

2010-10-20T14:09:00.000-07:00

This table and bench set was created by Karl Emanuel and Syndy Ziegenfuss. They used reclaimed floor joists and finished them off with sanding and lots of coats of marine varnish.

RX Wall Paneling part of "Hideous Beast-Survival School" Installation

2010-10-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

Hideous Beast is a collaborative effort between two artists, Josh Ippel and Charlie Roderick. Through organizing structured participatory events we attempt to encourage cultural activity outside the bounds of mainstream entertainment and fabricated desire.

Please check out their website to read more about the Survival School installation and to see more photos.

http://www.hideousbeast.com/projects/survivalschool

Glasses crafted out of all salvaged materials by Blake Sloane

2010-10-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

Blake Sloane has been volunteering in the shop with Cynthia helping train, create, and design. He has crafted these glasses 100% out of salvaged materials. Hinges, lenses, and red oak.

To see more of his creations check out his website: http://www.blakesloane.com/c+d.html

Design for Reuse Primer

2010-10-07T16:10:00.000-07:00

“Building green” is often linked with higher levels of energy efficiency or improved air quality. Even when considered, the sustainable materials market tends to focus on sustainably harvested materials or materials with recycled content. Yet, repurposing materials directly from the waste stream is the ultimate form of resource conservation.

The 15 diverse projects in the Design for Reuse Primer demonstrate new models of “building green.” Material reuse is always integral to a sustainable vision of how to tread lightly on the earth, be economically pragmatic, and nurture a community. From a school for children with learning differences to a center for holistic living, these case studies are intended to provide insights about the material reuse process in a wide variety of context. By discussing the challenges and demonstrating the benefits of reclaimed materials, we hope to demystify and inspire reuse.

The Design for Reuse Primer is part of a larger initiative to bring reuse stories to light. Stay tuned in the coming months for best practices from industry leaders, links to resources, and more stories from the field.

For more details go to: http://www.designforreuse.org/Design_for_Reuse/default.htm

Humboldt Park Presentation: Celebrating Jens Jensen’s 150th Birthday

2010-09-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

As part of the Chicago Park District and Parkways Foundation series of events celebrating the life and work of Jens Jensen, a presentation will be offered at Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1359 N. Sacramento, Chicago. The event will be free and open to the public

September 29 at 6:00 pm

Julia S. Bachrach, Chicago Park District Historian will present “Humboldt Park: Jens Jensen's Living Laboratory." Jensen’s redesign of Humboldt Park between 1906 and 1908 provided an exciting opportunity for him. He had lived in the neighborhood for several years and had served as the park’s superintendent in the 1890s. Inspired by natural Midwestern scenery, Jensen created the park’s prairie river, edging it with native plants, rocky cascades, and stepping stone paths. He also incorporated Prairie style architecture in to the park, most notably the Boat House and Refectory designed by Schmidt, Garden and Martin. Ms. Bachrach will bring to life Jensen’s exciting transformation of the park.

Edward Torrez, AIA of Bauer Latoza Studios, presents "The Boathouse: Then and Now.” He will show the meticulous process of untaken by the architects of the restoration of this landmark building which originally housed boat storage, concessions, and provided a warming shelter for ice skaters and a public gathering space for summertime. The 2002 restoration project has won a number of awards including the Richard H. Driehaus Preservation Project of the Year.

Join us for an inquiry in affordable housing

2010-09-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

Please join our friends Mike Newman, Rashmi Ramaswamy, and Helen Slade for an opening reception 5-6 PM Wednesday September 22, 2010. Check out the interactive display that they made out of RX materials.

Gene Pellegrene's corner unit made from RX lumber

2010-09-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

The above shelf was constructed from RX lumber by Gene Pellegrene of Artist Painters. Our materials worked well for the rustic look Gene was looking for and the piece has now found it's place in the clients home.

Artist Painters is a company that executes all painting needs including murals. Basically it helps keep artists making art! You can see more work by Artist Painters on their website.

www.artistpainters.tumblr.com
artistpainters@hotmail.com

Creations with RX materials by Nolan Wells

2010-09-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

Check out these cool creations that Nolan Wells made from RX materials. If you are interested in commissioning Nolan to do some building with reclaimed materials he can be reached at nolanwells@gmail.com.

Another table by Maker with Rx old growth

2010-09-08T15:19:00.000-07:00

Another table by Maker with Rx's old growth doug fir. Commissioned by Workshop, a Pilsen boutique specializing in goods made from local and sustainable resources: women's apparel, accessories, and vintage accoutrements. 818 W 18th street. www.workshopchicago.com www.whitneygaylord.com

NEW DESIGN COMPETITION ANNOUNCED!

2010-09-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

FLEA MARKET DAYS AT THE ReBUILDING EXCHANGE

2010-09-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

"Hole" a scuplture by Laurie Palmer made from RX lumber

2010-08-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

"Hole" was created by Laurie Palmer, chair of the Sculpture Department at SAIC. Laurie used RX reclaimed lumber to create this work in progress where each layer is built as a separate ring and then laid on top of the next while gravity holds them together. It was based in part on research into mining and uses of the underground, as well as geologic time and the slow construction and fast destruction of the earth.

The ReBuilding Exchange is pleased to see all those carts of lumber magically transformed. We will keep you posted on the progress of this installation.

Thanks Laurie, this is truly fantastic!

Wine Tasting Table by Candid Wines made from RX materials

2010-08-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

This wine tasting table was created by Damien Casten of Candid Wines, a local organic wine distributor. Damien used all RX materials including; old growth lumber for the frame and industrial glass for the table top. Even the floor beneath the table was created from reclaimed 1x10 roof decking. Many thanks to Candid Wines for using so many RX materials.

For more info on Candid Wines please visit: http://www.candidwines.com

Scrap Wood and Flooring Bench

2010-07-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

The image above is of a stool crafted for the show, "Here Not There" by our friends at Unit 2. They filled the walls of the MCA with our cast off material and inspired the public to get creative. Over the course of a month they came in to the RX and hauled off cut up lumber and flooring scrap. This great union helped us get closer to our goal of being zero waste while providing the show material to be crafted into functional pieces such as compost bins, stools, and tables.

Display case for the bar’s liquor selection

2010-07-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

The Design Team at 555 International made this cool display case for liquor storage out of 20th century fireplace covers they found at Jan's Antiques.

For more info, read the Time out article:
http://chicago.timeout.com/articles/home-living/87396/the-girl-and-the-goat-bar-display

For more info on Jan's Antique's Click here:
http://www.jansantiques.net/

Byron Driveway Farm

2010-07-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

Another application of our lumber by Matt Nardella. Below he explains his project:

We have an unused driveway in front of our office that only gets used occasionally to load and unload materials. It is pretty useless. After recent water main work under our street the City even repoured the driveway that they tore up to install a new sidewalk ramp.

As part of our reclamation of the urban right-of-way project we have installed a raised planter bed, designed and built by moss with 100% reclaimed framing lumber from the Rebuilding Exchange. Now flourishing are tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, brussels sprouts, strawberries, and sage. Construction and current photos after the break.

For more info and pictures: http://strawville.wordpress.com/2010/07/19/byron-driveway-farm/

Another Awesome Project with RX Lumber

2010-06-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Charlie Vinz, Ken Camden, and Dawn Marie Galtieri used RX lumber for their community project called DESIGN BUILD GROW EAT!

Design Build Grow Eat is a jobs training program for teenagers. Participants, under the instruction of design professionals and seasoned educators are designing, building and developing a sustainability plan for an outdoor classroom/community garden at Monroe Elementary School. Voice of the City, a Logan Square community arts organization, is implementing the program in partnership with Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA), CPS and After School Matters (ASM). The program will serve as a pilot for the Growing School Gardens (GSG) initiative of CPS. The goal of the GSG initiative is that every CPS school has a garden that functions as an outdoor classroom and enhances instruction through activity based learning.

Tweet Home Chicago Bird House Design Competition

2010-06-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

Check out these awesome birdhouse made out of reclaimed materials. The ReBuilding Exchange offered a discount on supplies to all participants. Please read the details below and be sure to look at all the entries on the Flicker site!

The Tweet Home team would like to take this opportunity to offer all of you our sincere thanks. Without each and every one of you, the Tweet Home Chicago program would not have been possible. This year's program was a huge success and it's not quite over yet!

- We have 21 houses on display (see below for a list) in the Building Resource center of the Chicago Center for Green Technology (445 N Sacramento). If you've never been to CCGT, please consider stopping by to take a tour and appreciate the wonderful bird houses on display!

- There are currently two houses (see below) on display at the Chicago Architecture Foundation (224 S Michigan). If you happen to be in the Loop, stop by to have a look!

- We are finalizing lists of houses to be installed at the South Shore Cultural Center and in Lincoln Park. As soon as those houses are installed, we will make a list available. Please stay tuned!

- Last but not least, we have created a flickr page with a photo of every house in the competition. Please head to www.flickr.com/people/tweethomechicago to have a look at all of the wonderful entries.

That's it for Tweet Home news. Please stayed tuned for house installation updates and, as always, feel free to email birds@cityofchicago.org with any questions or comments.

Reuse Project -- General Economy Exquisite Exchange

2010-06-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

Last month, the Cream Co. artists' collective created a temporary art installation to experiment with an open economy based on neighborly trade and exchange. Architect, friend of the ReBuilding Exchange and savvy user of reclaimed materials, Patrick Thornton, used materials from the ReBuilding Exchange as tabletops, for both displays and work tables! Check 'em out!

For more pictures and information on this neat project, visit http://generaleconomyexquisiteexchange.blogspot.com.

RX Job Training Program

2010-05-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

We launched our job training program in March and before the trainees head out into the field to do building deconstruction next month, they're spending time in the warehouse learning about the reuse industry, wood types, reuse applications, warehousing and inventory, and shop skills!

One of the trainee crews just finished their first RX Made furniture project constructed from reclaimed old growth lumber. Stay tuned for more project updates!

Historic Chicago Greystone Initiative at the RX -- June 12th

2010-05-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

ReBuilding Exchange Lumber turned bike polo barricade

2010-04-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

Check out what Keith Evans and our friends at Chicago Bike Polo did with our reclaimed lumber! You can check out a bike polo game in Garfield Park at 2pm on Sundays and 6pm on Wednesdays. For info go to: http://www.chicagohardcourt.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/chicagobikepolo

2010-04-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse
Plant Sale

Saturday, May 15 & Sunday, May 16, 2010

Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse will sell more than 150 varieties of organically grown vegetable, herb and flower seedlings. The annual organic plant sale will take place Saturday, May 15, 10 am – 3 pm & Sunday, May 16, 10 am - 2 pm at 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave., just west of Milwaukee Ave. and south of Addison St. Plant prices range $2 & up. The Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse accepts payment for plants by cash only.

“Our large selection of organically grown tomato and pepper seedlings are always a draw, but you'll also find other interesting vegetables, flowers, and herbs,” said greenhouse manager Kirsten Akre. “This year we are asking our patron to help us and the environment by bringing their own tray or box for carrying plants”.

Are you interested in what we are growing? Please visit our blog at kpog.typepad.com for a complete plant sale listing.

On Wednesday, May 19 from 5 – 7:30 pm, the Kilbourn Organic Greenhouse will host their Half-Price Sale and Gardening Basics: Free Question Answer session by the Master Gardeners of Cook County Chicago – University of Illinois Extension. Bring your gardening questions and select from limited quantities of organic seedlings.

Kilbourn Park, home to the Park District’s only organic-teaching greenhouse, offers workshops throughout the year. For questions regarding the organic plant sale, call Kilbourn Park Organic

Reclaimed Pine Dining Table

2010-03-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

This beautiful custom dining table, collaboratively made by Eliot Irwin and Janet Ecklebarger, uses reclaimed pine from the ReBuilding Exchange, and a polyurethane stain finish.
www.gleandesign.com

MODified Originals Reclaimed Flooring Chair

2010-03-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

Check out this 1950’s classroom-style steel frame updated with reclaimed wood flooring from the ReBuilding Exchange!

White oak floor boards were salvaged, stripped down, glued up into planks, and molded into this contemporary take on the classic schoolhouse seat. A tung oil finish seals the deal, bringing out the natural variations in the oak. A salvaged carbon steel frame was sanded and sealed, and together, they combine to make what we think to be a simple, striking side chair. www.modifiedoriginals.wordpress.com

ReBuilding Exchange Welcomes Alastair Salvador Quesada!

2010-03-24T10:56:00.000-07:00

The ReBuilding Exchange's first intern Alison Dickson Quesada has given birth to a healthy baby boy, Alastair. Alison and her family have been an integral part of getting the ReBuilding Exchange up and running. Congratulations and welcome to the RX Family!

2010-03-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

The ReBuilding Exchange materials have found a new home at Filter Cafe, which has now returned to Wicker Park! Go and check out the amazing job done by Matt Nardella of Moss Design. For more info check out http://strawville.wordpress.com/2010/02/01/wicker-park-elevated-back-to-bohemian-status/

Thanks for supporting the RX and for using reclaimed materials in your build!
Filter is located at 1373 N. Milwaulkee

ReBuilding Exchange Anniversary Celebration Video!

2010-03-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

Our friends at Natropolis recorded and produced this video of our 2010 Anniversary Celebration. As you can see, it was a great night for the ReBuilding Exchange and our friends. Thank you all who supported and participated!

Photos from the ReBuilding Exchange Roving Photobooth at our February 12th event!

2010-03-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

At our annual fundraising event on February 12th, Photographer Justin Goh asked attendees to interact with reclaimed materials and they got creative!

http://www.flickr.com/x/t/0095009/gp/leetlegreenman/6W901e

2010-03-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

Over a non-contiguous 24-hour work period, a series of experimental chairs have been produced on the site.
For this project Andy Hall set up a temporary workspace as HallMfg.
During each hour of work, one chair was designed, built, then displayed. This project is supported by materials from the ReBuilding Exchange a local organization with the mission to divert building materials from the waste stream and make them accessible to the public for reuse. This event expands the HallMfg process of secondary-use design where building and experimenting with materials results in edited knowledge and visually interesting material solutions.
Andy Hall operates Hall Manufacturing. The goal of this project is to develop relationships and community through the operation of a service workshop. Hall Manufacturing is a Chicago operation researching design for environment.

ReBuilding Exchange Annual Fundraiser

2010-01-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

2009 was a great first year for the ReBuilding Exchange and 2010 is shaping up for an even bigger success. Some milestones from the year:

* Deconstructed and diverted over 50 homes' worth of reusable building materials;
* Sold and distributed materials for projects ranging from residential kitchen rehabs to community garden projects in the neighborhood;
* Prepared for the launch of a deconstruction job training program for individuals with barriers to re-entry into the workforce; and
* Hosted educational, creative reuse workshops for all of our customers and friends.

ReBuilding Exchange Annual Fundraiser:
DATE: February 12, 2010
TIME: 6-10 PM
LOCATION: ReBuilding Exchange Warehouse
TIX: $30 suggested donation
Register today!

Event Details:
* ReBuilding Exchange First Annual Design Competition
* Awards and prizes
* Food and refreshments
* Silent Auction
* Emcee by Lou Manfredini
* Live music by Eyes Manouche

Want to get more involved with the event? Please consider donating to the event's Silent Auction. If you would rather build something, we are willing to donate lumber. It will be a great way for over 400 people to get exposed to your product, service, art or good. Find more info here.

Thank you for your ongoing support and we'll see you all soon!

Volunteer at the ReBuilding Exchange

2010-01-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

Greetings fellow volunteers! Firstly, we'd like to express our gratitude for the time and effort you'd like to give, or have given, to the ReBuilding Exchange. Volunteers are what help keep our doors open and help us make a huge impact on the environment and our community!

Well, the time has come for our annual fundraiser event. But this is an extra special occasion, as we'll also be celebrating our first anniversary. Yes, you heard right: we've been open and helping the environment and the community for a year! Our celebration will be held on February 12th, 2010 at our warehouse. If you've ever been to our warehouse store, you're probably thinking, "How in the heck can they fit 400 people in there?" Well, that's where you all come in! We need people to help us carry and organize our materials (lumber, appliances, cabinets, etc.) and probably even build racks and shelves to organize such materials. At the ReBuilding Exchange, we'll always have volunteer jobs for you, especially these upcoming weeks. Please feel free to let us know what days are good for you. Here is a preliminary list of tasks:

List of Tasks
*Move materials, i.e. cabinets, windows, refrigerators, etc.
*Making signage, programs and other printed materials
*Decorating
*Clean warehouse before event (week of event)
*Organize materials according to event floor plan (week of event)
*Clean appliances that remain on main floor
*Help setup and breakdown bars, food tables and silent auction tables
*Setup and breakdown of competition lights
*Registration during event
*Manage silent auction tables during event
*Clean warehouse after event (night of event)
*Move materials back to original place after event

Once again, thank you for your efforts and support. As we celebrate our first year, there is no way we can go on without considering the impact our volunteers have made. And to thank you for your support, we'd like to offer you free registration to the event in exchange for 5 hours of dedicated time. Volunteer registrations are limited to 20, so please let us know soon if you'd like to participate. Email Marcos at marcos@rebuildingexchange.org with the subject line "Event Volunteer" and your volunteering interest and availability according to the list above. For more information on the event, please visit www.rebuildingexchange.org. See you soon and don't forget to tell your friends!

Elise, Meegan, Sal, Miguel, Marcos

Calendar!

2009-12-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

This is a preview of our new ReBuilding Exchange Community Calendar it will be featured on our website soon but:

*If you have any ideas for workshops or would like to help run a workshop please e-mail us at info@ReBuildingExchange.org

and

*If you would like events for your organization posted on our community calendar please e-mail us at info@ReBuildingExchange.org

T4G!

2009-11-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

As our one 1-year anniversary nears, we're reflecting on the strong and growing reuse community we've been building with all of you this past year. And with the holidays coming up, we thought what better way to spend them than working together to give back to our community! So join us at the ReBuiliding Exchange, November 27th (the day after Thanksgiving) for our Thanks-For-Giving(T4G) friends and family volunteer day. Bring all the relatives who are in town for thanksgiving or just bring yourself an some pals and join us for a day of volunteering and fun! More details below!

Thanks4Giving Volunteer Day!

Looking for something new to do with the family after a festive day of giving thanks? Well we at the ReBuiliding Exchange want to offer you and your family a fun and active opportunity .
Join us on Friday November 27th (the day after thanksgiving) from 10am-2pm for our first annual Thanks for Giving volunteer day. We have projects for all ages and skill levels and would love to have your help! Also at 2pm we will be having a leftovers luncheon so please feel free to bring whatever goodies you still have lying around.
So here is your excuse to finally get down to the ReBuilding Exchange, spend some extra time with your family, do some volunteer work, and have a great time!

R.S.V.P. at: info@ReBuildingExchange.org, or call us at (773) 847-3761

Carpet + Glass + Steel Scrap = Coffee Table

2009-10-29T13:50:00.001-07:00

Brandon Biederman has created this spectacular table. He took steel angle irons from a scrap yard near his father's house in mid west Wisconsin. He cut the glass from a larger, broken piece that had been previously used as a dinner table and the carpet came from some old carpet samples.

The Violet Hour

2009-10-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to be a part of a new installation by A Middle West Collective at the Violet Hour. Our old growth 2x4's were purchased and installed on site by Dan Sheehy. The Violet Hour is located on 1520 N. Damen. Feel free to walk by and check out the awesome artwork of

Artist

Kristen Romaniszak

www.krittenchild.com

krittenchild@gmail.com

Reclaimed Material Source
ReBuilding Exchange!!!!!!

Up-Cycler

www.3rdcoastconstrcution.com

info@3rdcoastconstruction.com

Design Consultant

Elizabeth Cronin

www.asraigarden.com

asraigarden@sbcglobal.net

RX's First Trade Show!!!

2009-10-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Come check out The ReBuilding Exchange this Saturday October 17th we as participate in the Historic Chicago Bungalow and Green Home Expo 2009 from 10am- 4pm at The Merchandise Mart (Chicago River at Wells st.) This expo will delivery a wealth of information geared towards the "Green" homeowner. For more information and the chance to win a free home energy audit check out www.chicagobungalow.org!Pictured above is a picture of our booth!

Door Desk

2009-10-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

Vanessa Roanhorse, a huge RX fan, has created this awesome table. She's still ordering some glass to be cut for the top and plans on possibly adding some shelves for the inside, but she said thus far it has been "easy as pie" to make!

A Crafty Pair

2009-10-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to feature Sarah and Joseph Belknap some crafty customers of ours, Sarah and Joseph work hard to incorporate reuse material into their artwork and have used many materials from the ReBuilding Exchange. Recently they've made a house sculpture you can see at sarahandjoseph.com . It is made of items from our shop! They also have some fantastic house decor made out of used building materials they sell on their etsy store. Awesome job Sarah and Joseph!

http://iamhome.etsy.com

Meegan's Kitchen Cabinet Transformation!

2009-09-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

Rebuilding Exchange's very own Meegan has been quite crafty down here in the warehouse, turning an old beat up kitchen cabinet into a new dresser that really has pizazz! This armoire was created for a workshop for the Center for Green Technology in conjunction with Chicago Architecture Foundation. For more ideas on recrafting old pieces into new gems, contact Meegan at meegan@rebuildingexchange.org

Reuse Project -- Modern table made with reclaimed pine

2009-09-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

One of our customers, Whitney Gaylord, makes these beautiful tables from our reclaimed wood. She does them on commission as well, if you're interested you can contact her at whitneygaylord@gmail.com

Reuse Case Study -- A Chicago Garage, by Hampton Avery Architects

2009-08-26T05:43:00.000-07:00

Hampton Avery Architects (www.hampton-avery.com) designed a new two-car garage for client Annie Coleman to replace an old existing wood-framed garage. The garage was conceived as an opportunity to create much-needed open space on a tight site – a rooftop garden and deck would add a backyard that never existed… only now 10 feet in the air. And it’s also a showcase for reclaimed and repurposed materials and components.

Concrete chunks from the old garage slab were used by local nonprof Urban Habitat Chicago (www.urbanhabitatchicago.org) to form the bases of earth berms on several landscape projects, which help define space and give visual interest, allow for dense plantings, and introduce enhanced accessibility features for individuals with limited mobility.

All framing members on the ‘new’ garage were repurposed from a previously deconstructed warehouse building and they even found roof joists on Craigslist. Rather than have their structural engineers at Louis Shell Structures (www.louisshell.com), crank out a boilerplate design for walls and a roof to support a rooftop garden, theydesigned specifically around reclaimed materials, an approach somewhat unique and slightly more time-consuming.

For the walls, they calculated they could actually rip the old 2x10 joists in half to yield two 2x5 studs. Using the framing elevations produced by the architect, general contractor Derek Ottens of Green Cross LLC (http://greencrossbuild.com/) marked individual pieces to make the framer's job easier during cutting and then erecting the walls.

The exterior of the garage is finished with Hardie Board, a post-consumer material that uses sawdust, a rainscreen cladding of reclaimed cypress with flamed finish, and galvanized aluminum security grilles (the last two bought from the ReBuilding Exchange!) that will form trellises for the ‘green combover’ – trailing deciduous plants from the rooftop garden.

It’s a modest project that took some time and effort to coordinate, but came in on-budget, is an example of an integrated approach to design, engineering, and construction, and closes the gaps in the cycles of the life of materials by employing reclaimed and repurposed materials.

Learn and see more at www.hampton-avery.com.

Reuse Project -- Bench/Storage Compartments for Elementary School

2009-08-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

Another neat project from our friend and customer, Charlie Vinz. He made this bench from reclaimed lumber for an elementary school his architecture firm is designing.

Look what you can do with old shower doors!

2009-08-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

The Delta Institute commissioned the making of this signage, with the vision that they be made from some material from the ReBuilding Exchange. Kevin, our sign maker from Monobrow Studios, found a bunch of old shower doors in the plumbing room and voila!

Reuse Project -- Picture Frames

2009-08-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

One of our customers, raun meyn, makes these awesome custom frames out of our scrap trim.

Reuse Project -- Tree House

2009-07-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

These crafty folks made their granddaughter this beautiful tree house using cedar siding and other reclaimed wood they found at the ReBuilding Exchange.

The Story of Stuff -- the Underside of our Production and Consumption Patterns.

2009-07-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

What is the Story of Stuff?

From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world.

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Reuse Project -- Table with Spindles

2009-07-01T15:13:00.001-07:00

Reuse Project -- Table Lamp

2009-06-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

An RX customer, Joel Haynes, made a really interesting table lamp out of one of our old industrial light fixtures and a roll of player piano music. The light shines through the roll, projecting the images onto the wall. He can be reached at jphayes113@gmail.com if you're interested in seeing more of his crafty salvage and reuse projects.

Reuse Project -- Orientation Center Media Library

2009-06-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Local architect, designer and activist, Charlie Vinz built these beautiful, and functional shelves from ReBuilding Exchange wood, for the Orientation Center in Chicago. The Orientation Center is home to InCUBATE (Institute for Community Understanding Between Art and the Everyday) and AREA Chicago, a publication and event series dedicated to researching, supporting and networking local social, political and cultural movements.
http://incubate-chicago.org/
www.areachicago.org

WeFarm volunteers making raised garden beds from ReBuilding Exchange wood.

2009-05-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

A ReBuilding Exchange customer made these mirrors for his house from scraps of reclaimed flooring....

2009-05-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

Green Boxes this weekend at City Farm!

2009-05-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

Join City Farm for coffee and green thumb inspiration this Saturday at the launch of City Farm’s Green Box, the portable vegetable garden for your urban space. The ReBuilding Exchange donated reclaimed lumber for this exciting new project!

May 16, Saturday, 9 until noon
1204 N. Clybourn (Clybourn and Division)

City Farm’s Green Box provides an easy, portable way to grow fresh salad greens, spinach, chard, herbs, and other shallow-rooted vegetables on a terrace, backyard, roof or other limited space. Your new garden is constructed of recycled and repurposed materials** from the Chicago area and constructed by volunteers. And best of all the Green Box comes with 100% sustainable City Farm compost, and City Farm lettuce seeds. It will provide a full garden-to-table experience in as little as a 2’x3’ space.

Proceeds go directly to City Farm and it’s parent The Resource Center and are tax-deductible.

On Site Green Thumb Inspiration:
• Tim Wilson, City Farm’s head farmer
• Ken Dunn, The Resource Center’s founder and CEO
• State Senator Heather Steans
• Merrill Smith, head of Green Box Chicago.

RSVP: greenboxchicago@me.com, or better yet, just stop by.

reused lumber as box staircase

2009-05-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

We thought this reuse idea was particularly neat and worth sharing.

As part of a project in Germany, Jan Korbes used recovered antique floor wood and leftover construction wood to create this unusual staircase of add-on boxes.

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/green-ideas/creative-reuse-reclaimed-wood-box-stairs-055449

Thanks to Pepper Construction and Turner Construction for donating tools to the ReBuilding Exchange!

2009-05-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

When we put out a call for much needed tools for programs at the ReBuilding Exchange, both Pepper Construction and Turner Construction came through with a generous donation from their shops and subcontractors. We now have many of the tools we need to do more of our mission, in the way of educational programs and material repurposing projects!

We can always use more though, so if you're cleaning out your basement or garage this Spring, consider donating your tools to us. They'll go to a great cause! And the donation is tax-deductible!

ReBuilding Exchange on CMDepot

2009-04-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

You can now check out some of our materials on the CMDepot website. Some postings are for actual items and others for categories of materials that turnover pretty regularly.
http://www.cmdepot.com/stores/1-rebuilding-exchange

Virtual Tour of Allied Waste's Construction and Demolition Recycling Facility in Chicago

2009-03-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

This Chicago Reader blog post gives a good overview of how the C&D recycling process works with new mechanical separation technology, with an inside look at Allied Waste's facility on Cermak Road. We always like to see things reused before recycled, of course, but this is a great resource for the city. I've toured the plant myself, and I can say its very impressive.

http://blogs.chicagoreader.com/politics/2009/03/25/look-how-construction-debris-recycled-when-theres-/

King Ludd's Midway Arcade -- Call for submissions!

2009-03-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

www.material-exchange.org

The ReBuilding Exchange needs tools!

2009-03-06T06:10:00.000-08:00

If you have any extra tools laying around or want to donate something new, we can definitely use 'em!
We have a specific need for the following:

Nail pullers
Hammers
Flat bars
Lg. Metal Industrial Dust Pan
Safety glasses
Dust masks
Ear plugs
Needle nose pliers
Flat head screwdrivers
Phillips head screwdrivers
Circular Saw
Chop Saw
Shop Vac
Tin Snips
Air Compressor
Nail / Staple Gun

Volunteers needed next Saturday at the RX!

2009-02-26T05:31:00.000-08:00

Hey there! If you've got some free time next Saturday, March 7th, come on out to the ReBuilding Exchange and lend a hand.
There's lots to do including material organizing, unloading trucks, and making signage....
Send us an email and let us know you're coming rx@delta-institute.org

For more info about the ReBuilding Exchange, including location and hours, visit www.rebuildingexchange.org

Material Exchange Reuse Fish Habitat Project

2009-02-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

As as follow up to an earlier posting about Material Exchange's fantastic material reuse project involving a boat/bookshelf, that became a truck topper, that became a wooden turtle, that will become sunken fish habitat in a lake in Northern Michigan, here is a video documenting the whole process and material metamorphosis.

I'd Rather Be Fishin' from Material Exchange on Vimeo.

The ReBuilding Exchange is excited to announce our new business hours!

2009-02-11T14:29:00.000-08:00

Starting Wednesday, February 18, 2009 we will be open:
Wednesdays 8am-4pm
Thursdays 12pm -8pm
Fridays 8am-4pm
Saturdays 10am-6pm
Sundays 12pm-4pm
We are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

We hope to see you soon!

For more information about hours, location, donations, etc please check out our website www.delta-institute.org/rebuildingexchange

Check out the ReBuilding Exchange on ABC news!

2009-02-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6645498

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Over 40 percent of the material that goes into landfills comes from construction and demolition waste. Now, two non-profit organizations have joined forces to reduce that number while offering bargains to consumers.

A non-profit organization called "The Reuse People" is taking apart properties piece by piece instead of flattening them with a wrecking ball. The process is called deconstruction. It costs more in time and money, but up to ninety-percent of building materials can be recovered and reused. The next step is to get the salvaged items into the hands of those who can use them.

A new retail store in the Brighton Park neighborhood called "The Rebuilding Exchange" could help connect the goods with people who need them.

"It's basically pennies on the dollar for what someone would be paying retail," said Ken Ortiz of The Reuse People.

The goal of the store is to divert construction debris from landfills and support sustainable building. It's a project of non-profit, The Delta Institute.

Elise Zelechowski of The Delta Institute said, "What happens in this space is there's some retail activity for the local community, for architects, for contractors. There's job training in deconstruction. There's educational workshops."

Anyone can purchase doors, windows, plumbing, cabinetry and virtually anything else you'd find in a home -- right down to the structural frame.

"The quality of some of the materials that we have here, you just can't buy in a retail warehouse operation like Home Depot," explained Ortiz. You just can't get 1903 lumber anymore."

The Rebuilding Exchange is celebrating its grand opening on Friday, February 13, 2009 from 6pm to 10pm.

West 47th Street

Chicago, Illinois

www.delta-institute.org/rebuildingexchange

Photos of the old warehouse on 47th Street

2009-02-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

Interesting short film about building with waste...

2009-02-02T19:19:00.000-08:00

Filmaker Laura Hanna made this short film, A City Made of Waste, in 2008 for the exhibition Home Delivery:Fabricating the Modern Dwelling at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090216/cityofwaste_video

Need helpers this Saturday!

2009-02-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

Help us get ready for the ReBuilding Exchange grand opening party and come on out this Saturday, the 7th, between 10 and 6. We'll be getting crafty, making signs, hanging lights, and organizing our materials...
Send an email to rx@delta-institute.org if you can make it!

Thanks,
Elise

Reuse Project of Interest from our Friends at Material Exchange

2009-02-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

Public Art Installation: "I'd Rather be Fishin' "
In conjunction with the Smart Museum's traveling exhibition Beyond Green: Toward a Sustainable Art, members of Material Exchange have been invited to participate in a short project-based residency in Marquette, Michigan through February 2nd. The project began with a retired wooden fishing boat refashioned into a truck topper for transportation to the Upper Peninsula atop a slick Chevy Silverado rental. Upon reaching its destination, the topper will be transformed, yet again, as a sculpture to be installed upon the frozen inland body of water, Teal Lake. This sculpture will be collaboratively designed and built with several high school and college students while Material Exchange is in residence. The design will, in the warming months of spring, sink to the bottom of the lake and find it's final role as a freshwater fish habitat.

For more information please visit:
http://art.nmu.edu/department/museum/index.htm

Related Event:
Friday, January 30, 2:00pm
Visiting Artist Presentation: Material Exchange
Art and Design Lecture Hall, Room 165

Saturday, January 31st, 3:00pm - ?
Public Art Installation and On-Site Fish Fry
Amidst the Teal Lake Ice Fishing Village

Hope to see you there- Bring your parkas!
MX

www.material-exchange.org

Article on Deconstruction Pilot Project in Cleveland

2009-01-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/01/deconstruction_salvages_abando.html

Save the date!

2008-12-27T14:33:00.000-08:00

The ReBuilding Exchange will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, February 13th, 6-10pm with live music, food, and a live and silent auction. Please join us for this exciting event!

Have a skill or item you'd like to donate to raise funds for the ReBuilding Exchange? We are currently accepting donations of items for the silent auction. Items may include donated services such as health, beauty, educational, skilled artisanry or items such as artwork, gift certificates for retail or restaurants, or stays at vacation homes. Use your imagination!

If you'd like to be added to our mailing list for more information about this event and other news at the ReBuilding Exchange, or have an item to donate, please send an email to ezelechowski@delta-institute.org.

We are also currently accepting donations of building materials by appointment until our grand opening in February.

Tales from our first volunteer kick-off weekend!

2008-12-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

Dave Hampton of Urban Habitat Chicago and Echo Studio writes about our first weekend of moving and set-up in the new space.

http://www.urbanhabitatchicago.org/blog/birth-of-the-rebuilding-exchange/

Thanks to all our volunteers for coming out!

We're moving into our new home on 47th Street in Chicago!

2008-11-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

Today is the day! We're moving in and setting up shop. Deliveries of materials are arriving regularly over the next couple of weeks and we're looking for volunteers to help with moving, inventory, and material organizing. Please let us know if you want to participate! More information about our grand opening coming soon...

3333 West 47th Street

we've deconstructed 8 buildings to date in chicago!

2008-06-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

While we haven't found a permanent home yet for the Building Material Reuse Center, we're busy deconstructing homes around the city. We've done 8 so far, and are storing these materials for when we open.

We're currently taking other materials for storage until we open, on a case by case basis. Please email Elise at ezelechowski@delta-institute.org for more info.