Rebuilding Exchange Relocates and Launches Artisan Line

The Rebuilding Exchange (RX) has moved a treasure trove of reused and reclaimed materials saved from deconstructed local buildings to a new retail warehouse at 1740 West Webster Avenue, in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood, just one block west and across the street from its prior digs at Ashland and Webster.

RX plans to sell artisan pieces designed and crafted for them by Chicago-based Strand Design, including a handcrafted wall clock, wooden beer opener and unique shelving, all assembled by artisans in the warehouse workshop. “We hope to generate more cross-pollination in the design and manufacturing communities and contribute to the growing local movement by crafting these artful, value-added pieces,” says Cynthia Main, director of education and special projects.

The Strand Design artisan collaboration can only happen with the support of the community, so RX is launching a Kickstarter campaign (Kickstarter.com/profile/rxmade) beginning November 5 to raise startup money. The website provides a funding platform for creative projects, connecting artisans that want to launch projects with people to back them financially in exchange for a tangible reward.

Since 2009, Rebuilding Exchange has diverted 7,000 tons of building materials from landfills and provides job-training opportunities for people with barriers to employment, as well as workshops for the general public.

For more information, visit RebuildingExchange.org.