Mt. Pleasant resale store to close as Westmoreland Community Action looks to sell property
Jan. 20—A Mt. Pleasant Borough nonprofit resale store specializing in building and home improvement materials is closing after about 13 years of helping keep those types of items out of landfills.
The last official day for American Architectural Salvage is Jan. 31, said Mandy Welty Zalich, chief executive officer of Westmoreland Community Action. There may be pop-up sales after that date, depending on what merchandise is left.
The store was meant to be a revenue-building social enterprise for the nonprofit group that works with residents on a variety of needs including housing, workforce development and mental health. Westmoreland Community Action has tried different things over the years help the store achieve that revenue stream, but have not been successful.
"It has never really been a revenue-generating part of the organization and, unfortunately, we had to make a hard decision," Zalich said.
The building, which previously housed a lumber yard, is for sale through real estate agent Stephen Limani, who said the listing price will be $999,000. The building is more than 50,000 square feet and sits on five acres of flat land.
American Architectural Salvage started out as Shop Demo Depot around 2010 before changing names. Employees and volunteers have worked on deconstructing local buildings, salvaging items that are then sold in the store in addition to donations from the community and contractors. Donations are no longer being accepted.
The variety of items for sale there over the years, from flooring to lighting, have found new uses in homes around the area.
"We were disappointed because many of us, personally in the agency, love the program and what it does," Zalich said.
In addition to the items for sale, the store houses American flags for the borough and stained glass windows for the historical society as well as offering space for groups to meet and art classes, manager Christine Marquis said.
"We have artists, crafters, we have landlords" who come in looking for treasures or pieces for renovations, she said.
Film executives, too — Marquis said two garage scenes in Pittsburgh-filmed movie "A Man Called Otto" were outfitted with items from American Architectural Salvage.
The cost of keeping it open have been difficult, especially with the size of the building, Zalich said. The agency hopes to continue partnering with the Mt. Pleasant Business District Association on a weekly farmers market that was held at the store.
"We appreciate Mt. Pleasant Borough and their support over the years," Zalich said. "They've been a good partner."
The one full-time staff member and four part-timers at the store have applied for other opportunities within the organization. All merchandise at the store, excluding paint, is 75% off.
Any details about sales past Jan. 31 will be announced on the store's Facebook page. Business hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The store will be open Jan. 31.
Renatta Signorini is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Renatta by email at rsignorini@triblive.com or via Twitter .
