Where to find salvaged architectural materials around NYC + 21 homes with character on the market now

Jackson Foundry Lofts 130 Jackson Street, #1E (Photo credit: REPN for Corcoran) | https://www.cityrealty.com/nyc/williamsburg/jackson-foundry-lofts-130-jackson-street/58792/1E/iiStqEDtXGAML

Tuesday, Jul 28, 2026 By Cait Etherington

As part of the first phase of constructing the new Midtown Bus Terminal, the Art Deco retaining walls outside the New York approach of the New Jersey-bound north tube and along Dyer Avenue will have to be disassembled to make way for a new 50,000-square-foot ramp structure being built to connect directly to and from the Lincoln Tunnel. These walls were built between 1937 and 1945 and designed by an architectural team led by Aymar Embury II, who collaborated with Robert Moses on several projects throughout the city, and were distinguished by vertical, recessed brick bands with concave ridges and stylized columns.

Rather than sending the bricks from the retaining walls to the crusher, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is recovering bricks from the walls, cleaning them, and stripping them of their mortar with the help of Chief Bricks, a specialist in salvaged materials. From there, they will be sold through Orbit, an online marketplace that sells salvaged construction materials, to businesses, organizations, and individuals for $2.25 apiece. Not only does this preserve a piece of New York City's architectural history, but it reduces the environmental impact of the project and serves as an example of what the construction industry calls the "circular economy" model, where each brick preserved is a new brick that doesn't need to be made. More information, and the bricks themselves, may be found here.

It is almost never this easy to source salvaged materials, whether for the restoration of a brownstone or prewar apartment or the addition of old architectural materials into a newer home. Fortunately, as the construction industry becomes increasingly focused on recycling and upcycling, there are a growing number of local businesses offering access to everything from salvaged wood to old light fixtures to period-specific hardware.

This article explores where and how to start your search in and around New York City and explains why salvaging architectural materials isn’t just aesthetically appealing but also a great way to mitigate the impact of your next home renovation on the environment.

The cost of home renovations to the environment

The construction industry is one of the country’s largest polluters. By one estimate, the industry generates 600 million tons of debris annually in the United States alone. Globally, construction and demolition waste accounts for approximately 30 to 40 percent of total global waste generation. Fortunately, each year, more construction waste is diverted from landfills as the industry norm shifts demolition to deconstruction, a practice that has been shown to deliver substantial environmental benefits by lowering carbon emissions. This has led to a growing number of lumber yards and retailers specializing in the resale of salvaged architectural materials.

Where to source salvaged architectural materials

While New York City is not necessarily known for warehouse-style retailers and antique barns, without leaving the five boroughs, it is possible to source a wide range of architectural materials, most of which have been recovered from local residential and commercial properties.

Reclaimed wood

Whether you’re repairing or replacing an original wood floor in a pre-war residential unit or just looking to use salvaged rather than new wood to frame a new wall, there are plenty of places to source reclaimed wood in the New York City Area. A great places to start is NYC Slab, a go-to source for salvaged lumber. Located in the Bronx, NYC Slab is particularly well-known for its salvaged red wood and cedar from the city’s iconic water tanks. Other local options include Sawkill Lumber Company and M.Fine Lumber, both in Brooklyn.

Architectural salvage and historic building elements

If you’re in need of a period-specific wrought iron window, original pocket door, early-twentieth-century sink, or ornate statue for your back garden, look no further than Demolition Depot and Irreplaceable Artifacts. This East Harlem treasure is a warehouse of salvaged architectural materials, most recovered from local building sites.

Another great destination is New York Old Iron in Gowanus, Brooklyn. As the name implies, the warehouse specializes in old iron products, including salvaged sinks and bathtubs from residential units. Mixed among the larger items, visitors will also find tons of unique hardware items. Finally, for a more curated source for architectural salvage, Olde Good Things in Midtown West can also be a good source (they also have a location in Scranton, Pennsylvania).

Antique lighting and decorative fixtures

For homeowners looking for lighting and decorative fixtures and hardware, a highly recommended destination is Urban Archaeology. Urban Archaeology offers a curated collection of antique and vintage lights, as well as bath fixtures and hardware products. The store’s staff are also a great resource if you have questions. With a showroom on Franklin Street in Manhattan, it is also one of the most accessible places to shop for salvaged architectural materials. Another go-to option for antique lighting and decorative fixtures is Demolition Depot and Irreplaceable Artifacts in East Harlem.

165 East 60th Street, Upper East Side co-op

165 East 60th Street, #5-A (Nest Seekers LLC)

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Thinking outside the boroughs

If you have time and access a vehicle, there are also plenty of great finds waiting beyond the city’s borders. Just across the bridge in Jersey City, for example, Amighini Architectural is an incredible source of salvaged materials, including original glass doors, stain glass windows, and other larger architectural features. If you’re in search of period lighting, Fed-On Lights in Saugerties, New York, which specializes in antique and vintage light fixtures, is a great day trip.

In addition to doing your part of the environment, recycling and upcycling salvaged architectural materials can also add significant value to your home, though the actual value added will depend on the nature of the materials and renovation. For the best results, it is always best to contract with a licensed architect, ideally one who specializes in restoration work. A restoration specialist will also likely have access to an even wider network of suppliers to ensure you can find the right salvaged materials for your project.

NYC listings with character and original architectural details

128 West 78th Street, #2A
$515,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

128 West 78th Street, #2A (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: 138 w 78th #2A Nestled within a gorgeous prewar brownstone, this grand-scale loft-style studio offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern convenience. Bright and airy throughout, the residence showcases beautifully preserved prewar details, including soaring 11-foot ceilings, extra-tall windows with original woodwork and stained-glass transoms, hardwood floors, exposed brick, and classic shutters. Oversized north-facing windows flood the home with natural light while framing picturesque views of the tree-lined street below. See floor plan and full details here.

460 West 23rd Street, #4B
$650,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

460 West 23rd Street, #4B (Eastpointe Residential Inc)

From the Listing: Step inside and be greeted by soaring 10-foot ceilings with a skylight and a sun-drenched living space featuring a brick mantel fireplace-perfect for cozy evenings. The open kitchen is beautifully appointed and ideal for both daily living and entertaining. Hardwood floors run throughout, enhancing the home's elegant charm. Enjoy southern exposure with lovely garden views, creating a serene retreat in the middle of the city. See floor plan and full details here.

10 Christopher Street, #3E
$899,000

Greenwich Village | Condominium | Studio, 1 Bath

10 Christopher Street, #3E (Compass)

From the Listing: Sponsor Sale – No Board Approval - Unlimited Subletting from Day 1. Move right into this spacious, character-filled loft, thoughtfully updated while preserving its prewar charm. The home features soaring 8'8" ceilings, exposed brick, wood beams, and recessed lighting throughout. Bright southern exposure fills the apartment with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. See floor plan and full details here.

140 West 80th Street, #5
$944,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 800 ft²

140 West 80th Street, #5 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Penthouse Duplex With Private Roof Terrace Enchanting from the very first moment, this penthouse duplex is perched atop a historic 1890s brownstone co-op, offering a rare blend of architectural character and modern livability. Even before entering, the original woodwork and preserved facade signal that this is a home of true distinction. Inside, the sense of scale and charm is immediate.Soaring 12+ foot ceilings, rich hardwood floors, and oversized wood-encased windows with original shutters create a warm, light-filled living space. See floor plan and full details here.

Kirkman Lofts, #1E
$1,210,000

DUMBO | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,078 ft²

Kirkman Lofts, #1E (Compass)

From the Listing: Unit 1E at 37 Bridge Street presents a distinctive loft residence within the historic Kirkman Lofts, offering a refined blend of industrial character and modern comfort in the heart of DUMBO. This spacious 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home is defined by soaring ceilings, expansive proportions, and oversized industrial-style windows that flood the residence with natural light throughout the day, creating an open and airy loft atmosphere. See floor plan and full details here.

66 Washington Avenue, #3
$1,665,000

Clinton Hill | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 1,123 ft²

66 Washington Avenue, #3 (Compass)

From the Listing: From the moment you enter this residence, exposed timber beams span ceilings rising more than 13 feet overhead, while graceful arches and preserved factory-era details reveal the building's storied past. Five oversized eastern windows, complemented by southern exposure, bathe the interiors in natural light from morning through late afternoon. See floor plan and full details here.

891 Park Avenue, #FLR10
$2,000,000 (-7%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

891 Park Avenue, #FLR10 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Unit 10 at 891 Park Avenue is a true jewel box nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side. This chic full-floor home is comprised of two-bedrooms, two-and-a-half-bathrooms and a solarium planned in a gracious layout. The sumptuously appointed private elevator landing sets the tone to the spacious foyer, adorned with classic prewar details including moldings and a preserved vintage mail chute, unique to find inside the residence. A private storage unit in the basement transfers with sale. See floor plan and full details here.

Jackson Foundry Lofts, #1E
$2,095,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths | 1,132 ft²

Jackson Foundry Lofts, #1E (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Apartment 1E at Jackson Foundry Lofts Williamsburg Living with an Extraordinary Private Garden Welcome to Apartment 1E at Jackson Foundry Lofts: a very sunny 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath duplex that blends contemporary design with timeless industrial character. The standout feature is a south-facing private garden terrace, framed by the building's original architecture and 70-foot smokestack - which now houses a built-in wood-burning fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.

The Esquire Building, #6A
$2,500,000

Williamsburg | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,399 ft²

The Esquire Building, #6A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Calling for all discerning buyers for this exceptional opportunity to own a truly bespoke authentic loft in the heart of the Williamsburg waterfront at the iconic Esquire Building at 330 Wythe! A rare pre-war factory conversion just moments from the revitalized Domino Park, this 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom duplex loft with home office spanning over 1,400 sqft was recently re- designed and curated for a full gut renovation showcasing architectural designs and precision while thoughtfully preserving its industrial heritage. Exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, soaring ceilings, and steel architectural elements re-enforce the authentic loft character that is increasingly rare in Williamsburg. See floor plan and full details here.

165 East 60th Street, #5-A
$2,500,000

Lenox Hill | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,350 ft²

165 East 60th Street, #5-A (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: This exceptional pre-war duplex has been meticulously renovated to preserve its original architectural character while seamlessly incorporating today's most desirable modern amenities. Rich in history and sophistication, it offers an extraordinary lifestyle in one of Manhattan's most prestigious neighborhoods. See floor plan and full details here.

The MacIntyre, #701
$3,150,000

Flatiron/Union Square | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths

The MacIntyre, #701 (Compass)

From the Listing: Where Light Lives Thoughtfully transformed by acclaimed architect Elizabeth Roberts, Residence 701 is a loft of remarkable calm and beauty. Bathed in sunlight from eight oversized oak-framed windows, the home feels at once distinctly New York and entirely removed from its intensity—a place where carefully considered design, natural materials, and extraordinary light exist in perfect balance. See floor plan and full details here.

458 Broome Street, #3
$3,250,000 (-7.1%)

SoHo | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 2,300 ft²

458 Broome Street, #3 (Modlin Group LLC)

From the Listing: A rarity nowadays, this original 2,300 sq.ft. artist’s loft in iconic SoHo is a sprawling, sun-filled three-bedroom that has been meticulously and lovingly preserved. Sublime details, like a wall of south-facing floor-to-ceiling windows, 13 ft. ceiling heights and the original pressed tin ceiling throughout, place this home in the exclusive group of homes that represent Soho in its original glory. See floor plan and full details here.

71 Warren Street, #2
$3,300,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,800 ft²

71 Warren Street, #2 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: The Authentic Tribeca Loft-Reimagined for Modern Living Some homes can be renovated. Others can never be replicated. Set within an intimate 19th-century condominium on one of Tribeca's most coveted blocks, Residence 2 is the rare loft that preserves the neighborhood's architectural soul while delivering every modern convenience today's buyer expects. See floor plan and full details here.

712 Broadway, #3
$3,675,000

NoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,825 ft²

712 Broadway, #3 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Every once in a while, a special property comes to market that captures the true spirit and essence of its neighborhood. 712 Broadway, Loft 3 is that residence. Filled with authentic character, and thoughtfully restored with great attention to detail, this dramatic full-floor loft is guaranteed to impress with grand proportions, a sprawling 2-bedroom, 3 bath layout and beautifully preserved original details throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

329 Convent Avenue, #TH
$3,700,000

Hamilton Heights | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 4,700 ft²

329 Convent Avenue, #TH (Serhant)

From the Listing: Located on one of the most sought-after blocks in Harlem, 329 Convent Avenue is a remarkable single-family townhouse that perfectly balances historic elegance with thoughtful modern upgrades. From the moment you enter, you're greeted by meticulously preserved original woodwork, stunning pocket doors, soaring 12-foot ceilings, and five active fireplaces that anchor the home with warmth and charm. See floor plan and full details here.

9 Spencer Place, #TH
$3,988,888

Clinton Hill | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 4 Baths

9 Spencer Place, #TH (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New York Properties)

From the Listing: This distinguished four-family residence sits on a generous 20' x 100' lot with a building depth of approximately 65 feet across two levels, embodying the charm and elegance of classic New York brownstone living. Rich with original details throughout, the home features soaring 10-foot ceilings, original fireplaces, oversized windows, gracious proportions, and beautifully preserved architectural character rarely found today. See floor plan and full details here.

134 Henry Street, #TH
$5,750,000

Brooklyn Heights | Townhouse | 5 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 3,500 ft²

134 Henry Street, #TH (Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn LLC)

From the Listing: 134 Henry Street is one of four continuous townhouses circa 1843. Built 22 x 44 on a 92'.5" lot, this lovely townhouse maintains a classic red brick facade, limestone stoop, and the original casement window structure. Currently configured as a 3 family townhouse consisting of garden floor rental, a parlor floor rental, and an upper duplex. Each apartment maintains the preserved historic charm reflecting a Brooklyn Heights townhouse. See floor plan and full details here.

61 North Moore Street, #3W
$6,500,000

Tribeca | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 2,917 ft²

61 North Moore Street, #3W (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: 3W is an exceptional duplex blending the neighborhood's rich industrial heritage with timeless sophistication. Located within the Tribeca West Historic District, the residence offers over-scaled proportions, authentic architectural details, and a warm, inviting atmosphere rarely found today.

Original cast-iron columns, beautifully restored 11-foot wood-beamed ceilings, and oversized south-facing windows define the dramatic living spaces, filling the home with natural light throughout the day. The expansive great room, centered around a wood-burning fireplace, is equally suited to intimate evenings at home or memorable gatherings. See floor plan and full details here.

The Schepp Building, #PHDE
$7,250,000

Tribeca | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 3,321 ft²

The Schepp Building, #PHDE (Compass)

From the Listing: One word—Exceptional A home of this caliber is extraordinarily rare. This 4-bedroom, 3-bath residence, offering 3,321 square feet of interior living space and 824 square feet of private outdoor space, delivers a remarkable combination of scale, architectural character, and versatility. Every room invites you to linger and every space has been thoughtfully curated.Throughout the home you'll discover exquisite design elements, custom craftsmanship, and refined finishes that continue to reveal themselves with every turn. See floor plan and full details here.

47 West 9th Street, #TH
$25,000,000

Greenwich Village | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 8,045 ft²

47 West 9th Street, #TH (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Perfectly positioned on the highly coveted Gold Coast of Greenwich Village, 47 West 9th Street is an extraordinary 28-foot-wide Anglo-Italianate residence that seamlessly unites historic grandeur with state-of-the-art modern living. Offered following an extensive and meticulous renovation, this single-family townhouse spans over 8,000 square feet across five sumptuous levels, thoughtfully enhanced with contemporary amenities-including a private elevator-while preserving its original architectural integrity. See floor plan and full details here.

Flatiron Building, #FLOOR17
$39,750,000

Flatiron/Union Square | Condominium | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 7,657 ft²

Flatiron Building, #FLOOR17 (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)

From the Listing: Perched above Madison Square Park on the 17th floor, the home enjoys sweeping views of the park and the Midtown skyline, with abundant natural light streaming through beautifully proportioned windows that showcase the building's iconic geometry and historic character. Thoughtfully designed by Studio Sofield, the residence pairs timeless architectural elegance with effortless modern livability. See floor plan and full details here.

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Contributing Writer Cait Etherington Cait Etherington has over twenty years of experience working as a journalist and communications consultant. Her articles and reviews have been published in newspapers and magazines across the United States and internationally. An experienced financial writer, Cait is committed to exposing the human side of stories about contemporary business, banking and workplace relations. She also enjoys writing about trends, lifestyles and real estate in New York City where she lives with her family in a cozy apartment on the twentieth floor of a Manhattan high rise.

Read Full Bio | Contact Cait Etherington

In this article:

The cost of home renovations to the environment

Where to source salvaged architectural materials

Reclaimed wood

Architectural salvage and historic building elements

Antique lighting and decorative fixtures

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Thinking outside the boroughs

NYC listings with character and original architectural details

128 West 78th Street, #2A
$515,000

460 West 23rd Street, #4B
$650,000

10 Christopher Street, #3E
$899,000

140 West 80th Street, #5
$944,000

Kirkman Lofts, #1E
$1,210,000

66 Washington Avenue, #3
$1,665,000

891 Park Avenue, #FLR10
$2,000,000 (-7%)

Jackson Foundry Lofts, #1E
$2,095,000

The Esquire Building, #6A
$2,500,000

165 East 60th Street, #5-A
$2,500,000

The MacIntyre, #701
$3,150,000

458 Broome Street, #3
$3,250,000 (-7.1%)

71 Warren Street, #2
$3,300,000

712 Broadway, #3
$3,675,000

329 Convent Avenue, #TH
$3,700,000

9 Spencer Place, #TH
$3,988,888

134 Henry Street, #TH
$5,750,000

61 North Moore Street, #3W
$6,500,000

The Schepp Building, #PHDE
$7,250,000

47 West 9th Street, #TH
$25,000,000

Flatiron Building, #FLOOR17
$39,750,000

The Emmet Building’s second act: Inside a NoMad landmark reborn as the refined residences of 95 Madison

Price Cuts include massive combo residence at The Plaza reduced by $5M; Marvel Comics illustrator trims price of Sutton Place townhouse

In honor of Bastille Day, see NYC's grandest Beaux-Arts and French Renaissance-style buildings

Great Bones: Mint-condition condos in intimate prewar buildings as London Clay Townhouse prepares for sales

NYC Contracts: $80M trophy penthouse signed at 80 Clarkson; One High Line's last penthouse finds a buyer

What's old is new again: Mass timber construction in NYC as Timberburg readies to launch sales

What New York’s transparency bill could mean for whisper listings + Public listings with open houses

Price Cuts: Cathedral-like condo in former convent drops below $2M; Fifth Avenue five-bed gets $5M haircut

Where to find salvaged architectural materials around NYC + 21 homes with character on the market now

In this article:

The cost of home renovations to the environment

Where to source salvaged architectural materials

Reclaimed wood

Architectural salvage and historic building elements

Antique lighting and decorative fixtures

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Thinking outside the boroughs

NYC listings with character and original architectural details

Related Listings

Tags:

Related Articles

The Emmet Building’s second act: Inside a NoMad landmark reborn as the refined residences of 95 Madison

Price Cuts include massive combo residence at The Plaza reduced by $5M; Marvel Comics illustrator trims price of Sutton Place townhouse

In honor of Bastille Day, see NYC&#039;s grandest Beaux-Arts and French Renaissance-style buildings

Great Bones: Mint-condition condos in intimate prewar buildings as London Clay Townhouse prepares for sales

NYC Contracts: $80M trophy penthouse signed at 80 Clarkson; One High Line&#039;s last penthouse finds a buyer

What&#039;s old is new again: Mass timber construction in NYC as Timberburg readies to launch sales

What New York’s transparency bill could mean for whisper listings + Public listings with open houses

Price Cuts: Cathedral-like condo in former convent drops below $2M; Fifth Avenue five-bed gets $5M haircut

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In honor of Bastille Day, see NYC's grandest Beaux-Arts and French Renaissance-style buildings

NYC Contracts: $80M trophy penthouse signed at 80 Clarkson; One High Line's last penthouse finds a buyer

What's old is new again: Mass timber construction in NYC as Timberburg readies to launch sales