Inspire and be inspired!

The ReUse Ideas Project is finally underway! Starting tomorrow (October 1st) you can submit a creative reuse idea to share with The ReBuilding Center community. These ideas will be complied and added to our ReUse Idea Library as well as displayed in the Community Resource Area and around The ReBuilding Center warehouse. 

The ReUse Ideas Project was born from a desire to encourage people to engage in creative reuse. Creative reuse involves discovering new purposes for salvaged materials, such as turning a door into a table or using a chair as a planter. Creative reuse is a vital component of the ethos at The ReBuilding Center, where used materials often rely on the ingenuity of design to bring them back to life.

In addition to inspiring the community to incorporate creative reuse into their lives, everyone who submits an idea will receive a 10% discount on your next ReBuilding Center purchase as well as be entered to win a $25 gift card!

We currently have an array of projects available online. Including the Salvaged Wood and Pipe Table featured up top. New ideas are being added daily so come back often. Check out today’s featured project: Elevated Pet Bowls pictured above.

What type of projects would you like to see featured on our website? What are you most excited to share?

The ReBuilding Center Featured on Fusion

This past weekend The ReBuilding Center was featured on the local show Fusion. Fusion is a show that “covers everything about the Northwest home that makes it special.” Check them out on a Saturday morning on a local station or on their website http://www.fusionnw.com/.

DeConstruction Service Featured in the Oregonian

Did you catch the article about DeConstruction Services of The ReBuilding Center on the front page of The Oregonian’s Oregon Living section? If you want to hear about someones experience first hand with DeConstruction Services and learn more about the industry in Portland check this article out.

When we decided to remodel our kitchen, we chose deconstruction… The bids we got—deconstruction vs. demolition—were virtually identical, plus we wouldn’t have to pay for a trash bin. What’s more, we would receive a tax deduction for the (nominal) value of the items we donated to the ReBuilding Center.—Naomi Kaufman Price

Get a free estimate for you project on the DeConstruction Services free estimate page or contact us at decon@rebuildingcenter.org or 503.331.9875.

Have you used DeConstruction Services for one of your projects? Share your experience in the comment section below!

Portland Youth Builders Working Hard and Supporting The ReBuilding Center

On Friday a group of 12 from Portland Youth Builders came out to volunteer for 5 hours! The group unload miscellaneous items, lighting, and tile from carts and helped them find a temporary home in the warehouse. They also helped clean out the community tree cob structure and the front of The ReBuilding Center warehouse for a Portlandia shoot which happened later in the afternoon. Most of the day was spent de-nailing lumber from one of our DeConstruction Services projects that was recently completed. 

We also had a group from Central City Concern’s Community Volunteer Corps helping out on Friday afternoon. We enjoy the company and hard work of CVC on a weekly basis.

What a group of fantastic, hardworking volunteers! Thank you!

Mississippi Ave Ice Cream Social

Last Wednesday brought out tons of neighbors for the 8th Annual Boise Neighborhood Ice Cream Social. Over 30 local businesses came together to celebrate our neighborhood and pass out ice cream cones to whom ever wanted one. We went through almost 6 gallons of ice cream in one hour (and we were only 1 of 30)!

Ural Thomas came out with his band in The ReBuilding Center donation area and provided great entertainment while we gobbled up scoops and scoops of ice cream. Join us next year to celebrate and thank Boise Neighborhood. View more photos on Flickr.

A HUGE thanks to the Historic Mississippi Business Association and everyone who worked hard to make this happen.

University of Portland Service Plunge Volunteers

Last Wednesday we had 29 students from University of Portland spend their morning volunteering in The ReBuilding Center warehouse. They helped de-nail wood, paint in the Community Resource Area, organize trim, molding, and tile.  These 29 students were just a fraction of the 130 total who were out in the community spending their first days in Portland learning about, and supporting, the local community before school starts next week. In addition to this group of UP students, a group of 10 students from Reed College come out for a few hours last Monday and two more UP groups will be joining us in the upcoming week! 

Volunteers are essential to the operations of The ReBuilding Center. We would not be able to maintain any sense of organization without their help, but more than anything else we love the fresh energy and welcoming volunteers into The ReBuilding Center family. Thank you to all of the volunteers who continue to help on a daily basis.

If you are interested in bringing a group of volunteers to The ReBuilding Center, or just want to learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Rosie McGown at volunter@ourunitedvillages.org.

Volunteer as ReFind Furniture Workshop Assistant

ReFind Furniture is currently searching for a few more volunteers to assist with the creation of picture frames and other home furnishings for the ReFind Furniture Show Room. Volunteers play a vital role in the creative process and production of items. Use your skills and creativity to inspire the community to do their own projects with salvaged materials.

If you have experience with woodworking and would like the opportunity to continue to build your skills than you may be a perfect fit! You can learn more about the position here or contact Rosie McGown at volunteer@ourunitedvillages.org or 503.467.4985.

Make a Reclaimed Lamp Terrarium

Looking for a cool way to reuse that old hanging lantern taking up space in your garage? How about create a terrarium out of it!

Materials you’ll need:
Reclaimed hanging lantern
Potting soil
Rocks
Succulent plants

Tools you’ll need:
Pliers
Screwdriver

Instructions:
Remove hardware from a glass hanging lantern. Fill with rocks, potting soil, arrange succulents. Not only do the paned panels recall the look of traditional terrariums, but the piece also includes a convenient door — originally for changing light bulbs — which is perfect for the occasional rearrangement of the plants and rocks.

Adapted from:
http://www.designspongeonline.com/2011/03/before-after-ariels-lamp-terrarium-lias-lamps.html#ixzz1GhyHxrGz

Like this re-use idea? Sign up for our monthly creative reuse idea newsletter here.

Developer Chooses Deconstruction Over Demolition

The Daily Journal of Commerce ran an article today featuring developer Brad Fowler’s decision to choose deconstruction over demolition. Click here to read the full story.The ReBuilding Center’s DeConstruction Services crew and Driving Department team are reclaiming and transporting the materials. Our warehouse Salvage Specialists are finding new homes for the materials. And ReFind Furniture is developing visions for reuse. 
For more information about DeConstruction Services or to fill out our job estimate form, go to DeConstruction Services

Preserving the Past

DeConstruction Services is currently dismantling two large turn-of-the-century NE Portland buildings. Built in the early 1900’s, they total 11,439 sq ft of finished space. The larger structure features architectural splendors indicative of the era:  mahogany wainscoting, leaded glass, large double-pocket doors, and a brick veneer rising up to a high pitched roof with ornate overhangs. By choosing to deconstruct rather than demolish these buildings, the lumber saved for reuse is the equivalent of 189 trees left standing. For more information or to fill out our job estimate form, go to DeConstruction Services

TRC Drivers Bring in the Darndest Things!

This original 35’ wooden flagpole flew for 100 years at the Meier & Frank warehouse on NW 14th and Everett! Come visit The ReBuilding Center to see for yourself some of the amazing one-of-a-kind materials we have available for sale.

07/07/11 | 2 Comments | TRC Drivers Bring in the Darndest Things!

Comments

• 1.Hooray that it won't be burned for firewood like the original one at Columbia Barracks, Fort Vancouver !

  FichenDich | May 2011 | Wood Village, OR

• 2.It's nice to see one of our flagpoles that we made many years ago. Our company started to build wood flagpoles in 1885 and did so till we could no longer get the quality of wood we needed in the late 1970's. 
  
  We are still owned and operated by the fifth and sixth generation, in San Francisco. 
  
  Larry Bolander
  
  http://www.bolanderflagpole.com/

Thank You Volunteer!

The ReBuilding Center has been gifted with an abundance of awesome volunteers. We hosted FIVE “alternative spring break” college groups during March—students who chose to give back rather than rest and relax. Pictured here is our lively volunteer group from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Volunteers make a huge difference in helping us keep the warehouse clean and organized. Their contributions constantly amaze us. We love our volunteers!  To find out more about how you can volunteer, go to: Volunteering at The ReBuilding Center

The ReBuilding Center Finds the Darnedest Things

I always enjoy the great finds that come in from our free pick up service tucked away in a cabinet or that our DeConstruction Services team unearth during a project. These are some of the items hanging around the office this week.

This old globe was saved from the dumpster. Couldn’t find a date but base on the countries, its definitely a few years (decades) old.

These are Oregonian issues from 1934! Looks like bikes were popular back then too (and big hats)! These came out of the current DeConstruction Services project in downtown Beaverton.

We also have a display of found items in the Community Resource Area of The ReBuilding Center, right behind the Community Tree Cob entrance.

See more photos of the items above here.

Winter Classes 2010

Hi! There is still space in our series of Fall and Winter classes here at The ReBuilding Center. When you visit the Classes and Workshops home page of our website, you will be able to tell which classes are still coming up and have space available. You can click on any class for more information about the particular class and registration process. 

Here are a few things you should note:
1. Online registration is only available for those paying online through paypal. We will confirm your registration after Paypal has confirmed payment. 

2. If you would like to pay with cash or check, please call us at 503-445-1756 or you can do so in person at The ReBuilding Center’s register—3625 N. Mississippi Ave, 9-6 Mon-Sat and 10-5 Sun.

3. Register soon!  Some classes fill up quickly. Spaces are filled on a first come, first served basis.  

Class Offerings:

Tile it Workshop
Learn to install reclaimed ceramic floor tiles in this two part workshop - a sustainable option for kitchens, bathrooms, and more. In this hands-on course you will gain measuring, cutting, layout, mortar/grout mixing, and installation skills.             

Session 1: Tues Oct 26, 6-9pm and Thurs Oct 28, 6-7:30pm
Session 2: Tues Feb 1, 6-9pm and Thurs Feb 3, 6-7:30pm
Tuition: $40
Instructed by Holly Huntley

Window Repair Workshop
Repair and renew classic wood sash windows to make them fully operable and more energy efficient.  Learn how to rebuild broken frames, replace broken glass, free stuck windows, prep for painting and more.
Sat Dec 4,1-4:30 pm
Tuition: $30
Instructed by John Jones

How to Cut Stairs
Looking at replacing or restoring a set of stairs? Learn to cut set of stair stringers out of recycled wood. Class will teach basic stair math and tool use for cutting a simple set of stairs. Participants will learn about materials selection and the proper construction techniques to build a project that will last.
Wed Jan 26, 6-9pm
Tuition: $25
Instructed by Ken Walker 

Reuse a Door
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to select a door for reuse, mortise hinges in a simple jamb and hang a door. 
Sat Jan 15, 9am-3pm
Tuition: $45
Instructed by Ken Walker

Door to Door: A Feature in The Oregonian

With our Once-In-A-Lifetime Fundraising event approaching fast, we are so pleased to have been featured in The Oregonian’s Home and Garden section. Bridget A. Otto talks about the LeRoy Setziol Door that started it all, the vision of this one of a kind event and the power of art to create sustainable communities. 

Read the full article: click here!

ReBuilding Center Strives for a Waste Free Event

Open The DOOR to Sustainability strives to be a 100% waste free. 

A waste free event is a natural step for The ReBuilding Center, whose operations divert an average of 6.5 million pounds of construction waste from landfills each year. 

But what does a waste free event look like? 

Our goal is to produce zero garbage and as little recycling waste as possible. We are doing so by: 

- Using reusable dishware for food and beverages
- Composting Food Scraps
- Providing cloth napkins
- Catering the event with companies who are dedicated to sustainable practices
- Recycling all paper products, including signage and auction catalogs, after the event

In addition to our commitment to make this event waste-free, we are demonstrating sustainable practices by offering food and beverages that are produced locally and in many cases organically. We are encouraging people to carpool and to use any form of alternative transportation such as public transit, biking or walking. Each person using this method will be entered into a drawing for a special prize. The Bison Building, located at 410 NE 10th Ave, has easy access to public transit and is just 10 blocks from the East Bank Esplanade pedestrian and bike path. 

Open The DOOR To Sustainability is not merely a fundraiser for The ReBuilding Center, it is also a showcase of the many ways Portland businesses are working together to make our community a healthier, more sustainable place.  We hope to set a precedent for future events by demonstrating that a waste-free celebration is not only possible, but beautiful. This challenge offers a truly amazing opportunity to come together as a community to find new ways to bring sustainable practices to the forefront. 

Art Made Fram Salvage Door to be Auction at June Event

In honor of LeRoy Setziol's impact on NW Art and in celebration of the hand-carved Setziol door that came to The ReBuilding Center after nearly ending up in the landfill, local artists have created works of art from salvaged doors to be auctioned at our June event. 

The LeRoy Setziol door, unlike his works in galleries across the Northwest, arrived at The ReBuilding Center strapped to a flat-bed truck. It is a story of trash and treasure, of a beautiful and valuable piece of art that nearly ended up in the landfill. Soon to be showcased by The ReBuilding Center, the door’s unique carving, geometric pattern and gentle craftsmanship are its signature. The intricate patterns of ridges divided by flowing lines and organic shapes are smoothed not by sanding, but by deliberate carving and oiling by hand.

Join The ReBuilding Center of Our United Villages on the evening of Saturday, June 19th, 2010 at Open the DOOR to Sustainability, showcasing the Setziol door and celebrating sustainability. The night will include live and silent auctions, featuring a series of used doors reclaimed from the waste stream and turned into inspiring art by Pacific Northwest artists. Each door will have a unique story of its history and transformation. There will be environmentally sustainable contemporary furnishings designed and handcrafted from reclaimed materials from The ReBuilding Center; and other products and packages from local companies using sustainable methods and approaches in their work. 

We hope to see you there! http://openthedoortosustainability.com/

Help Support The ReBuilding Center and Sustainability

Open the DOOR to Sustainability is a unique art show and fundraising event to benefit The ReBuilding Center and Sustainability. Inspired by the work of renowned NW artist LeRoy Setziol, artists from the local region are creating works of art from reclaimed doors. These doors, along with many other exciting things, will be auctioned at the event. Learn more by visiting the website: www.openthedoortosustainability.com

Open the DOOR to Sustainability will be an event of recognition, networking and continued joint efforts to bring sustainable living to the forefront of mainstream society. The event will feature a very special door carved by premiere Northwest artist, LeRoy Setziol, on display for the first time. On auction are 100 works of original art created by local artists, made from salvaged doors – an homage to LeRoy, the “father of woodworking.” In addition to a live and silent auction, guests will enjoy local, organic food; locally produced beers, wines and liquor; the musical sylings of saxophonist Patrick Lamb; and many raffle prizes to go around. We hope you’ll join us. Learn more about the inspiration behind this event:
Learn about the Inspiration behind this event.

WHEN
Saturday June 19, 2010 from 6-10pm

WHERE
The Bison Building, 419 NE Tenth Ave Portland, OR 97232

WHAT
In addition to live music, the event will be graciously catered by Chef Abby Fammartino of Abby’s Table. Chef Abby is dedicated to delicious food that is good to eat and good for you. Her talent in the kitchen has earned her a following of clients in Philadelphia, Seattle, and now, Portland, Oregon, where she has created “Abby’s Table,” a commercial kitchen in which she hosts weekly dinners and creates her superb line of handmade, fresh sauces. http://www.abbys-table.com/

Comments or Questions? Email us: openthedoor@ourunitedvillages.org

Summer 2010 Workshop Schedule

Our Classes and Workshops for 2010 are now open and available. The workshops take place in the ReFind Furniture woodshop located adjacent to The ReBuilding Center warehouse on 3625 N Mississippi Ave. Here, students have access to a variety of woodworking tools and learn valuable tool and construction skills they can apply to projects at home. Most importantly, students learn how to see new reuse possibilities in old building materials and are empowered to realize their ideas in new creative forms. Workshops are open to adults 18 and older unless otherwise noted.

The lineup this season includes: 

Introduction to Carpentry for Women
Papermaking Using Recycled Materials – Children Welcome
Intro to Carpentry for Women II
Found Object Printmaking
Introductory Woodworking
Window Repair Workshop

Click here to see full class descriptions and find out how you can register today.

Save the Date: Open the DOOR to Sustainability: Featuring LeRoy Setziol Door

On June 19, 2010 we’d like to invite everyone out to “Open the DOOR to Sustainability.” A unique art show and fundraising event to benefit The ReBuilding Center. The event will feature a one of a kind piece by legendary NW artist LeRoy Setziol. In honor of this piece, local artists will be turning ReBuilding Center doors into works of art that will be auctioned at the event.  The photo above shows artist Tim Combs choosing his door among the hundreds available in our warehouse. We look forward to seeing what it becomes!

Event Details: 
Saturday June 19, 2010 from 6-10pm – SAVE THE DATE AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

The Bison Building, 419 NE Tenth Ave Portland, OR 97232 – MAP IT

On display will be a very special door crafted by the “father of woodcarving” LeRoy Setziol
We’ll also have about 100 one of a kind DOORS on display – repurposed by local artists
Local, organic, creative food to munch on by Abby’s Table
Live Music
Raffles, ReFind Furniture, Silent Auction, other random entertainment
We hope to see you there!

Comments or Questions? Email us: openthedoor@ourunitedvillages.org

Visit the event website for more pictures and news: www.openthedoortosustainability.com