A few years ago I heard about a salvage shop in Minneapolis with an abundance of quality merchandise, an eye for creating attractive displays, and a cool shop dog who would give you a warm greeting at the door. Add a friendly smile and good conversation from the owners and you've got a gem in Guilded Salvage.
Christina Dodge and Scott Rogers are the proprietors, and they have since moved their shop into NoMi at 4430 Lyndale Ave N. Although they don't live in NoMi, Scott has relatives in the area and they are very fond of community - for years, they sponsored the Victory Neighborhood Garage Sale by paying for the map printing and they hosted the Camden Old House Club a few years ago.
Their shop is an adventure back into another era, but not just because of the merchandise. From their logo to their cards to their stationary and note cards - they are a class act (all printed by Di's Printing in NE Minneapolis). If you need a resource for something they don't have - they pull out a Guilded Salvage note card, look in their rolodex, and write down the name and number of a resource to help you out.
On a recent visit, I saw Construction Manager Ron Korsh from Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation taking the time to track down door knobs to match the vintage ones in a current rehab project, as well as a new homeowner looking for a light fixture for the dining room of a foreclosed home he was restoring in NoMi.
Christina and Scott welcome a visit by the locals or a chatty Realtor, and offer you a comfy stool and a counter to sit and chat at while you marvel at the variety of light fixtures, door knobs, bath tubs, windows, door trim, and other architectural gems. If you're into Steampunk - it's definitely worth the trip.
Even if you don't think you need anything for your home right now - wander in and say hello to these NoMi entrepreneurs and enjoy a bit of architectural history for free. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday - Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. For more info - check out their website at: http://www.guildedsalvage.com/home.html
Oh - and the Shop Dog always appreciates if you think to bring a treat.
Steph
