Published: September 22, 2007 07:38 pm         

Architectural salvage’s role in restoration featured at ACM

CUMBERLAND — Restorers of historic structures can gain valuable entry into the world of architectural salvage on Oct. 4, when an instructor from Baltimore-based Second Chance Inc. leads an Allegany College of Maryland continuing education course on the subject.

Architectural Salvage: A Practical Introduction gives an overview of the art of re-using construction materials to return historic structures to period and otherwise make living spaces special.

This two-hour evening class will discuss the various types, sources, uses, hazards and costs of architectural salvage as it explores situations where salvaged materials are the best or better option. It also will offer buying tips.

Instructor Jim Smith works at Second Chance, a non-profit organization that is one of the country’s largest sources of architectural salvage and is a leading proponent of giving old buildings new life.

Second Chance works with architects and contractors to rescue architectural items — in wood, metal, marble, plaster and stone — from buildings earmarked for demolition. These elements are then cataloged and stored in the agencyπs warehouses, where others can obtain them for re-use.

Their holdings run the gamut from doors, windows and shutters to stained glass, decorative ceilings and fireplace mantels and from sinks, bathtubs toilets to furniture and iron work.

In addition to giving a second chance to valuable items — many made with old world craftsmanship — that would otherwise be doomed, the recycling that Second Chance advocates saves scarce landfill space and conserves materials and energy.

The instructor earned a bachelor’s degree in art history with a specialty in architectural history and served a graduate assistantship on architectural preservation. Smith lived in a 1918 American foursquare house and is currently renovating a 1925 bungalow in Baltimore. He describes himself as having “an aching back and a sense of humor.”

The class meets at 7 p.m. in ACM’s Center for Continuing Education. The deadline to register is Sept. 27. To do so call (301) 784-5431. For more information, call the Institute for Professional Development and Extended Learning at (301) 784-5338. Information is also available on the college Web site, www.allegany.edu.