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, announces its planned closure after 28 years with a Celebration Sale on January 12 to 14.

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.

Architectural Salvage

Inspired by her experience completing the Thames Swim Marathon in London last year, Scalice realized her desire to explore life beyond the store.

“The main goal now is to honor the legacy of Architectural Salvage. It’s been a beacon of positivity and a source of joy for so many, and I love hearing the stories of homes that have been restored as a result of the shop. I look forward to seeing its legacy continue even after our doors close in March.”

The Legacy of Architectural Salvage

“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.”

Elizabeth Scalice

From its inception, the home improvement store has championed reuse, with Scalice’s artistic background and environmentalist passion shaping its mission. The store’s commitment to environmental stewardship and landfill diversion was recognized with the San Diego Earth Award in 2004.

The journey began with a tiny house in Encinitas, built using alternatively sourced materials, inspiring the retail store’s opening in Little Italy in 1996. Architectural Salvage quickly became a community cornerstone, fulfilling a growing need for sustainable, reclaimed materials and historic preservation.

A Treasure Trove of Reclaimed Gems

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.

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.

Architectural Salvage
Celebration Sale
Architectural Salvage

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 Scalice’s 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.

Celebration Sale!

From January 12 to 14, the home improvement store invites you to a final sale and celebration of its legacy. The three-day event will include celebratory slices of cake, deep discounts on inventory, and an opportunity to reflect on the store’s legacy with owner Elizabeth Scalice.

You’re invited to bring in photos of your cherished finds, especially those of Patina the cat, a beloved fixture of the store from its early days at the corner of Grape & India Streets, to create a shared memory board.

Celebration Sale

See you there!

Architectural Salvage will host its Celebration Sale on January 12 and 13 from 10 AM to 5:30 PM and on January 14 from 11 AM to 5 PM at 2401 Kettner Blvd, in Little Italy.

For more information, visit here or call (619) 696-1313.

See you there, San Diego!

Share This Event
Event Details
Event Map
The Latest
Nat at Night at San Diego Natural History Museum
Start your weekend off with Nat At Night, the ‘after hours’ series at the San Diego Natural History Museum! Nat at Night is Back! Explore...
Memorial Day Specials in San Diego
Memorial Day is just around the corner, and many San Diego businesses will be offering specials in recognition of the holiday. Honor the occasion with...
North Park Music Fest at North Park Mini Park
The eagerly awaited North Park Music Fest returns for its third season, promising an electrifying celebration of music and culture. This year’s festival invites attendees...
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial 
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial will honor U.S. Marines who were killed in combat while serving in Sangin, Afghanistan, from 2010 to 2011. The Marines...
Undocumented Times / Queer Yearnings exhibition
Ready for a transformative experience? Head to the Oceanside Museum of Art for “Undocumented Times / Queer Yearnings,” an evocative exhibition curated by M. Liliana...
SeaWorld San Diego Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
SeaWorld San Diego is launching Memorial Day weekend celebration beginning Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27. A Memorial Day Flag Ceremony will take place...
Event Details
Upcoming Events
Frontwave Arena
September 17, 2024
8:00 pm
Prepare for a pop concert-style spectacle showcasing the athletic brilliance and championship journeys of Simone Biles and an exceptional squad of select dancers, embodying a...
San Diego Padres
July 13, 2024
10:00 am
  • East Village San Diego
The East Village Association invites the community to join them in celebrating the 12th Annual East Village Block Party! Taking place on J Street from...
California Wine Festival Carlsbad
June 28, 2024
6:30 pm
  • Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
The California Wine Festival, a nationally recognized event series, is proud to announce its return in 2024 to celebrate over 20 years of bringing attention...
North Park Music Fest at North Park Mini Park
May 31, 2024
4:00 pm
  • North Park Mini Park
The eagerly awaited North Park Music Fest returns for its third season, promising an electrifying celebration of music and culture. This year’s festival invites attendees...
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial 
May 27, 2024
2:00 pm
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial will honor U.S. Marines who were killed in combat while serving in Sangin, Afghanistan, from 2010 to 2011. The Marines...
Event Search: