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A beloved Philly salvage and restoration company allegedly bilked clients of thousands...
Philly Inquirer link: https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-salvage-co-open-closed-customers-20230911.html
No paywall: https://archive.ph/acAqc
Philadelphia Salvage Co. was once beloved.
Its door restorations, custom tables made of salvaged lumber, and retail space that featured everything from antique light fixtures and stained glass to claw-foot bathtubs were the subject of admiration in fixer-upper and home-restoration circles. The business touted popular Philly bars and restaurants like Charlie was a sinner and Attic Brewing in its client portfolio. And its social media pages racked up tens of thousands of followers who were often awed by the intricate century-old doorknobs and craftsmanship of made-to-order front doors the business would post with the hashtag “saving history.”
That’s changed in the last year. Customers have filed complaints with the state, claiming the business bilked them of deposits, sometimes in the thousands, and failed to return property, including historic doors and custom hardware, and was unresponsive to their inquiries.
Port Richmond resident Natalie Shaak, 39, is out almost $7,000 and the front door project she started with the company in September 2021 remains incomplete, with the actual door and custom brass still in the business’ possession.
- snip -
After The Inquirer made several attempts for comment, Philadelphia Salvage Co. owner Chris Stock responded Sunday that the business has “gone bankrupt.” “We have every intention of returning projects, albeit in their as-is condition and stage of development, as many are historic and heirloom pieces,” Stock wrote in an email.
Its door restorations, custom tables made of salvaged lumber, and retail space that featured everything from antique light fixtures and stained glass to claw-foot bathtubs were the subject of admiration in fixer-upper and home-restoration circles. The business touted popular Philly bars and restaurants like Charlie was a sinner and Attic Brewing in its client portfolio. And its social media pages racked up tens of thousands of followers who were often awed by the intricate century-old doorknobs and craftsmanship of made-to-order front doors the business would post with the hashtag “saving history.”
That’s changed in the last year. Customers have filed complaints with the state, claiming the business bilked them of deposits, sometimes in the thousands, and failed to return property, including historic doors and custom hardware, and was unresponsive to their inquiries.
Port Richmond resident Natalie Shaak, 39, is out almost $7,000 and the front door project she started with the company in September 2021 remains incomplete, with the actual door and custom brass still in the business’ possession.
- snip -
After The Inquirer made several attempts for comment, Philadelphia Salvage Co. owner Chris Stock responded Sunday that the business has “gone bankrupt.” “We have every intention of returning projects, albeit in their as-is condition and stage of development, as many are historic and heirloom pieces,” Stock wrote in an email.
- more at link -
It must be disappointing for these former customers, but at least they know they'll get their deposits and property back.
