lyndhurst-lumber-v1

Inventory Sale

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 16:14:14 GMT

Find the durable tables you need for your next project at prices you won't come across again!

We're growing! In order to make room, our huge selection of one-off, custom table tops are being sold at deep discounts at our Villa Park showroom . See details below.

What are we selling?

A variety of species of:

Plank tables
Larger communals
Rounds
Butcher block tables
Paneling

Tables are available in two-tops and four-tops, and all are made of the highest quality products.

When?

Friday, 2/1, Saturday, 2/2, and Sunday, 2/3

What time?

9:00AM-4:00PM, Friday & Saturday

9:00AM-1:00PM, Sunday

Where?

Reclaimed Table

222 W. Stone Rd.

Villa Park, IL 60181

Come early for the best selection. Buyers will need to arrange delivery of items.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Client Feature: Oak Tables & Benches for Navy Pier's Centennial Vision

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 02:37:39 GMT

Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier has always been a popular attraction since it opened just over 100 years ago in 1916. It currently welcomes 9 million guests per year. As explained on the Navy Pier website, the Pier was designed by architect Charles Sumner Frost and was originally based on architect’s Daniel Burnham’s “the People’s Pier” in his 1909 Plan of Chicago . It was originally known as “Municipal Pier,” but was renamed in 1927 in honor of the World War 1 Navy personnel who were housed there.

As we blogged about a couple of years ago , Navy Pier has been undergoing renovations in honor of its “Centennial Vision” to reimagine and enhance the pier. While updating the pier with new programming and a greener landscape, this vision has also been attracting more local eateries ( like Tiny Tavern ) and shops, creating a space that’s more inviting to local Chicagoans.

After providing pieces for the first phase of the remodel last year, we were pleased to continue to be part of this project for the recently completed phase two. Partnering with Gensler, we provided white oak tables and benches near the main entrance and for the brand new, 200,000 square foot Family Pavilion that features over 50 businesses. Fortunately, these pieces were created not only with their visual aesthetic in mind, but also to impressively withstand this sort of high traffic area.

We also built the reclaimed red and white oak blade signs flanking all of the restaurants and shops, which creates a unified look within the complex. Much like the Pier, these signs have an interesting, rich history behind them. The red and white oak wood used to make the signs were actually horse fences on a farm in Mercy County, Kentucky that dates back to the late 1800s. Mercer county was one of the first settlements in the state, and the farm itself, Shawnee Springs, was originally over 2,000 acres. In the 1970s the farm was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. We knew the Navy Pier project was the right one for this specific wood-- historic wood for an historic landmark. (See our other applications of reclaimed red and white oak Kentucky horse fence here .)

Check out photos of our tables, benches, and signs at the recently updated and unveiled Pier below. And if you’re in the Chicagoland area, you can check them out for yourselves in person, along with a whole host of entertainment on the Pier.

Interested in some durable tables and benches for a high-traffic area? Contact us here to get started on your next project.

Aging Booker's Bourbon: Finding the 'Sweet Spot' for Flavor

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 20:39:40 GMT

When it comes to aging bourbon, Booker’s small batch bourbon has the process literally down to a science. Currently produced by the Jim Beam distillery, it was Jim Beam’s grandson, Booker Noe, who founded this brand in 1992 with bourbon from barrels he personally selected.

According to the Booker’s Bourbon website, Booker was actually raised at a Kentucky distillery and brought his family’s six generations of master distillery knowledge to his bourbon batches.

How does Booker’s perfectly age their bourbon?

As we pretty much all know, bourbon ages in wooden barrels. When the weather becomes hot and humid, like it does during those sticky Kentucky summers, the wood expands and absorbs the bourbon, allowing for a chemical interaction between the bourbon and the wood. In colder weather, the wood contracts and the bourbon escapes the barrel’s walls. This interaction changes the spirit’s taste and color. The longer bourbon is in the barrel, the smoother the taste, (up to a certain point, that is).

Barrels are kept in rackhouses where temperatures can easily be regulated. Rackhouses were originally built out of stone with several wooden floors and an exposed dirt basement to control humidity and large temperature swings. The windows were designed to keep the buildings well-ventilated.

In the above diagram of a traditional nine-story rackhouse (which holds 20,000 barrels/1 million gallons of bourbon!), you can see how the barrels are arranged. Higher floors are hotter and dryer. Because water molecules are smaller than alcohol molecules, the water molecules escape the barrels at a much faster rate and the proof of the alcohol increases. On the lower floors, where it’s moist and cool, water molecules from the air enter the barrels and the proof decreases.

Booker’s Bourbon is aged in barrels in the middle of the rackhouse versus the outside where bourbon is exposed to more heat and ages more quickly. As mentioned on their website, the middle of the rackhouse is the “sweet spot.” It’s “where the temperature and humidity stars align to create the deepest and most intense flavors.”

Newer construction rackhouses are being created that are more cost-effective to build. However, they don’t have as much control over the interior temperature of the building, and the bourbon barrels must be rotated while aging in order to compensate.

There are even rackhouses being built to purposely allow sharp temperature shifts in order to accelerate the aging process. However, according to true bourbon connoisseurs, this bourbon doesn’t quite make the cut.

Looking for a bourbon taste-test to go along with your new barrel-aging expertise? If you’re in the Irving, TX area, check out Front Burner’s new location of their restaurant Whiskey Cake . The restaurant not only features the largest whiskey selection in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but also our white oak tables made out of reclaimed wood from an actual 1920s Booker’s bourbon distillery (see images below).

And if you’d like to infuse a sense of history into your next design project, contact us here .

Reclaimed Table on WGN

Sat, 06 Jan 2018 00:31:44 GMT

Our own Frank Sullivan stopped by the WGN studios to talk reclaimed wood, explain our process, and, of course, show off some of our fine products. Thanks for having us!

Walnut Reigns at Walker Brothers Pancake House

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 16:41:00 GMT

Since their first location opened in Wilmette, IL over 50 years ago, Walker Brothers Pancake House has been a Chicago-area breakfast favorite. From their oven-baked omelettes to their thick sliced bacon to their world-famous apple pancake, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. And with our tables at the newest Walker Brothers location in Schaumburg, IL, there’s an even greater reason to visit.

Collaborating with Knauer , we provided walnut miter fold table tops in a variety of sizes to complement the different seating areas. We also created the main feature of the space, the U-shaped counter made from walnut, live edge slabs. Our tables and counters offer seating that greatly enhances this eatery’s environment. Plus, they will continue to beautifully endure hundreds of guests per day for years to come.

Scroll down to see photos of our work at Walker Brothers. If you’re in the market for some custom tables for your space, please contact us today!

Walnut miter fold table with two curved corners making it ideal for this round booth

Larger walnut, miter fold table

Layered with curved corners and gorgeous graining

Line of booths with more walnut miter fold table tops

Knots filled with eco-friendly epoxy to create a smooth surface

Live edge slab counters made out of walnut

Close-up view

Natural meandering edge

How to Choose the Ideal Wood Species for Your Design Project

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 18:36:00 GMT

When it comes to choosing the right species of wood for a design project, there are a variety of factors to consider. While the overall look is dependent on the species, it’s also important to focus on species’ sustainability, eco-friendliness, and durability, which will allow that ideal look to remain longterm. Fortunately, our information below will lead you through the process of picking the right species for you and your clients.

All species of wood have different levels of hardness based on their unique cellular structures. Hardwoods include wood from fruit or nut bearing deciduous trees. These leafy trees include oak, cherry, maple, and beech, and can be found growing throughout North American forests. Trees that produce softwoods, such as pine, cedar, fir, and spruce, are conifers and have needles in place of leaves.

While hardwoods, as their name implies, are harder and more durable than softwoods, their hardness varies widely. Therefore, certain species may not be suitable for all applications. The Janka Rating System, shown above, ranks species’ hardness, making it easier to choose the appropriate one. For example, if you’re in need of tables that will be placed in high-traffic areas, like in restaurants or hotels, it’s best to choose hickory, hard maple, or white oak. Although you may prefer aspen’s grain pattern and color over beech’s, aspen will not be able to withstand constant wear and tear as well as beech. Choosing aspen for a high traffic purpose may cause dents, splitting, and bowing, resulting in a quicker replacement.

Tropical hardwoods are another category of wood. These wood species are imported from other countries and include mahogany, wedge, and teak. While some species of tropical hardwoods are good for a variety of applications, many are not suitable. For instance, bamboo is typically known as a hardwood, but in reality it’s a type of grass. In order to create bamboo flooring, the grass must be glued together, and is actually only expected to last 30 years. Furthermore, the glue used tends to contain urea formaldehyde, which is classified as a probable carcinogen. Having to import bamboo lowers its carbon footprint, as well, making it a non-optimal choice for a healthy planet.

Here at Reclaimed Table, we source only North American hardwoods. Though more expensive than softwoods, we know they will stand up to the pressure of heavy use. Using native hardwoods also ensures a lower carbon footprint than imported wood. Many imported species don’t even adhere to the quality standards and safe manufacturing practices found in the U.S.

Finally, we use only hardwoods in lieu of veneers or laminates that may off-gas harsh chemicals into the air and aren’t durable substitutes. This use ensures that our products are healthy for you and the environment and will continue to last well into the future.

If you need help deciding on the ideal wood species for your next project, feel free to contact us today!

Break the Cycle of Poverty With Chicago Lights

Thu, 02 Mar 2017 23:16:00 GMT

When you’re looking for a way to give back, there are so many worthy, charitable organizations with which you can become involved. Here at Reclaimed Table, we’ve been proud to support one such nonprofit, Chicago Lights. Chicago Lights provides a variety of programs and events to assist those struggling with poverty in the Chicago area. Connected with Fourth Presbyterian Church, they’ve been working to break the cycle of poverty since 1991.

One of Chicago Lights’ signature programs is the Dance Academy, which offers dance instruction for over 1,000 students in under-priveledged schools. The students not only learn dance techniques through these classes, but are also able to increase their confidence in a way that might not have been available to them otherwise. The Dance Academy offers a summer dance intensive for advanced students, as well. This pre-professional program is taught by world-class instructors and artists, challenging the students at a greater level.

Another signature program Chicago Lights provides is their Social Service Center, which partners with outside organizations to provide basic services for those in need. These services include a food pantry, clothing assistance, housing assistance, job-readiness training, street outreach, and support groups.

Summer Day is a six-week summer program for 1st through 9th graders. This program offers a safe haven for these children while they take classes in everything from math and science to drama and digital music production. The students also have the opportunity to explore Chicago through a variety of field trips.

Chicago Lights Tutoring pairs 400 students in 1st through 12th grade with an adult mentor in order to help them graduate from high school and continue to higher education. With weekly tutoring sessions, extra enrichment classes, career development, scholarship opportunities, healthy meals, and more, Tutoring makes a significant difference in these students’ success.

The final signature program Chicago Lights offers is Urban Farm. Located in the Cabrini Green neighborhood, the Urban Farm offers both adults and children the opportunity to become engaged in hands-on learning experiences and have access to sustainably-grown, local produce.

We were honored to recently attend the Chicago Lights annual Gala of Hope and donate one of our walnut, live edge coffee tables to this inspiring event’s silent auction. There are so many other ways to get involved with Chicago Lights, as well, whether you volunteer or donate directly. If you’d like to learn more about the incredible work Chicago Lights performs, don’t hesitate to visit their website .

Client Feature: Hilton Hotel

Fri, 17 Feb 2017 00:37:00 GMT

When the Hilton Hotel in Oak Brook, IL was revamping their interiors, we were pleased to assist them. Working with the wonderful O’Kelly + Kasprak , we provided custom tables for several different areas of the hotel. A unique walnut, knife-edge table adds a spot to relax in one of the hallways and several walnut butcher block tables make the perfect spot to dine in the new farm-to-table restaurant, B. Lounge. Furthermore, our live edge, walnut slab is a beautiful feature point in the lobby.

Please scroll below for a photo tour. In need of some tables to enhance your next project? Contact us here today.

Custom walnut, knife-edge table

Gorgeous wood grain

View of the specialized knife-edge

Walnut, butcher block tables in the dining area, B. Lounge

Close-up view of the beautiful butcher block pattern

Large live edge walnut brings nature inside

Unique curves in this live edge table

Warmth of walnut

Custom-designed steel base

Take Action: Simple Ways to Protect the Environment

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 05:11:00 GMT

Reclaimed Table is proud to build sustainable furniture. From the eco-friendly materials we use, including reclaimed wood and low VOC finishes, to our tools that have been resurrected from a past life, to the fact that our furniture is built to last, we believe in doing our part to be kind to our home, planet Earth.

Currently, an anti-environmental agenda is being pushed through the White House. According to Myron Ebell , who assisted Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency transition team until inauguration took place, “The U.S. will clearly change its course on climate policy.” All EPA contracts, grants, and interagency agreements waiting for review were halted . The EPA was also barred from communicating through press releases or social media. Furthermore, Trump is set to pull out of the Paris Agreement , an agreement between 175 parties around the world that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming. The official White House website deleted almost all mentions of climate change immediately after Trump was sworn in, as well. The list goes on and on.

Below, we’ve compiled our own list of ways to take a stand against these policies that cause serious threats to our environment.

-Take action with The Sierra Club , the country’s largest grassroots environmental organization. Whether you donate , fundraise , or sign one of their petitions , there are plenty of ways to get involved with this remarkable group.

-Join the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in their fight to ensure we all have access to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. Like The Sierra Club, they also have petitions that are easy to sign on their website. Donations are accepted, as well. Currently, all donations up to $250,000 are being doubled, so now’s the time to give!

– MoveOn.org hosts a variety of progressive petitions and accepts donations , as well.

-Join the Scientist’s March on Washington taking place on Earth Day, April 22nd. Much like the Women’s March on Washington, this march will allow all those concerned to come together and make their voices heard.

-Become involved with Waterkeeper Alliance , an organization that helps protect everyone’s right to clean water throughout the world. Join them by donating, attending an event, or even becoming a partner.

-Call your state senator and express your opinions. Whether you share your views on the Keystone or Dakota Access Pipelines or Trump’s pick for EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt , a big proponent of the fossil fuel industry, staying silent is not an option. Yesterday, Democrats on the Senate committee boycotted Pruitt’s confirmation hearing . We need to encourage them to continue this fight and encourage our other senators to join them.

No matter what you choose, let those in power know how vital it is that we use science to support the health of our planet, ourselves, and our economy. The future of our children and our planet depend on it.

Simplify Your Project: Table Purchasing Tips

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 22:42:00 GMT

When it comes to purchasing tables for a design project, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. There are an inordinate amount of options and factors to consider, many of which are overlooked initially. To help make the process easier, we’ve collected our top tips to take into account when purchasing wooden tables for any project, no matter if you’re designing a restaurant, corporate office, hotel, school, or place of residence. Hopefully, these ideas will make your next purchasing decision a breeze.

Our reclaimed, white oak tables at Labriola Ristorante

1. Weigh Your Options

Simply rushing into purchasing the most convenient option you find, perhaps online, may yield you quick and seemingly easy results, but be sure to take your time to thoroughly research all the possibilities. Depending on the product, it may end up causing problems down the line, which leads us to our next point:

2. Remember, Quality Matters

It may seem like the lower the cost, the better the option, especially if you find inexpensive tables that match the design you have in mind. However, looks may be deceiving. Many wooden tables at a lower price point don’t have the durability required for the heavy use tables in high-traffic areas receive. They may quickly crack, cup, or bow due to the fact that the wood hasn’t been dried, finished, or put together properly. Due to these errors, you may be forced to repurchase an entirely new set of tables. Instead, it’s best to invest in quality , in tables that were built with fine craftsmanship and strength and that are guaranteed to last, so you can be sure your money is well-spent.

One of our ambrosia maple tables at Navy Pier’s Tiny Tavern

3. Consider Custom to Hit Your Design Mark

The perfect design shouldn’t have to be compromised simply because you’re unable to find what you need in retail. Find a company who you can trust to work with you on achieving your vision. The ideal firm should be able to transfer your vision into a drafted design and then into a beautifully built product. Working with a one-stop-shop saves you time and energy and allows you to easily receive the tables you desire.

If you’re interested in learning more about what our tables can offer to your design in terms of beauty, durability, and ease of purchasing, contact us here today.

Header photo: White Oak Tables and Custom Slab Drink Rails at Nando’s Peri-Peri in The Yards, Washington

Client Feature: Publican Tavern

Wed, 04 Jan 2017 23:15:00 GMT

2017 is finally here, bringing with it the excitement of brand new designs and projects. We can’t wait to show you what we have in store for this coming year, but we thought we’d take the opportunity to look back at one of our favorite interior design projects we worked on in 2016, Publican Tavern at O’Hare International Airport. Its sister restaurant, The Publican , can be found nearby in downtown Chicago.

Working with Parachin Design Studios , we provided our newest product, plank tables and countertops. These tables and counters come in 4 inch wide and 1.5 inch thick planks and are designed to accentuate the full grain and character of the wood. We used rich walnut to warm up the somewhat stark, bustling airport, helping weary travelers relax before their flight. Scroll down to see photos of the brand new restaurant and make sure to share some small plates there the next time you and your travel companions take off from O’Hare!

Interested in plank tables for your next project? Don’t hesitate to contact us today!

View of Publican Tavern, featuring our walnut plank tables and countertops

The wide planks of wood highlight the gorgeous walnut graining

Long walnut plank countertops provide extra seating for diners

Highboys with cubbies provide storage when needed

Table Stories

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 20:14:00 GMT

Today, we’re proud to feature a guest post by one of our partners, Meg Sullivan. As she relays her stories of all we share with our family and friends over a dining table, we’d like to take the opportunity to wish you and yours a warm and wonderful holiday season. Happy holidays!

There are several reasons why we didn’t continue that ritual, and as I sit and think of everything I learned at my parents’ dining room table, I despair that he missed out. It’s not that we didn’t sit as a family and have dinner. We ate together all the time at our kitchen counter. Our boys scoffed at the thought of sitting at the dining table—too formal. Maybe we would ask them too many piercing questions.

I learned more at my family’s dinner table than I probably did in all my years in school. We discussed politics, corporate minefields, gossip about the neighbors, and school. For most of us, if something important happened in life, some awakening your father or mother provided, some hurtful discussion you had with your kids or your partner, it probably happened at the dinner table.

I remember the food, too—mid-week, mid-century dinners of Rice-A-Roni, spaghetti sauce made from a packet mixed with canned tomatoes, chipped beef on toast. My father, who adored my mother, met each plate with enthusiasm. “Oh, Dinty Moore Beef Stew on rice, it’s perfect!”

It was the place I completely changed the course of my life. Five weeks before my wedding, my mother and I sat at the dining room table and addressed invitations. She asked me if I wanted to drive to Kansas City to buy the wedding dress—a huge gesture coming from a woman who was about to see her daughter make the biggest mistake of her life. Everything slowed way down and came to a stop. I sat there, and for once my mother had the wisdom to sit and be silent while I struggled with the reality of what was to come, while knowing what would be lost. I wanted to go to college, I wanted to live and travel outside of Iowa, I wanted to pursue my interests and that was never going to happen with him. So I called it off.

We hope when you gather at your table this holiday, you are surrounded with peace and love. And, if you’re lucky, perhaps a great epiphany.

Images above:

1. Dining room table, Christmas Eve 1984 – Me stuffing my face next to great-aunt, grandmothers, sisters, in-laws, and father. Ethan Allen table and chairs, solid wood and veneer

2. Same room, breakfast 1975—Me reading the Des Moines Register, and mother preparing for work. Formica table with harvest gold legs. (Hippie headscarf)

Top Tips for Working With Reclaimed Wood

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 19:57:00 GMT

As our name, Reclaimed Table, clearly states, many of the tables and products we create are built with reclaimed wood. Using reclaimed materials is a highly effective way to preserve our planet’s resources and is heavily engrained into our design philosophy (learn more about that philosophy here ). Furthermore, when a table is made out of reclaimed wood, it has a story behind it. A table made from the barn where barbed wire was invented or one created with wood from a farm where prized racehorses were trained have a history that can’t be replicated and now has the ability to live on through a new use.

Reclaimed Red Oak

However, working with reclaimed wood is not as simple as it may seem. Reclaimed wood is often filled with nails and screws from previous applications, which need to be removed. Also, reclaimed wood, or any wood in general, is subject to the environment in which it is placed. In high humidity, wood absorbs the moisture in the air, causing it to expand. In low humidity, it does the opposite and contracts. This makes it extremely susceptible to cupping, bowing, and splitting.

Fortunately, there are methods one can use to mitigate this challenge of working with reclaimed wood, ones that our expert craftsmen put into play with every piece they create. First of all, we always use high quality wood, hand-selecting each board for every project. In order to manage the moisture content of the wood, we allow the the wood to either air dry or kiln dry, the latter being the faster and generally more effective method.

Steel reinforcement, glued and screwed into the table’s underside

We also design all of our tables with supports to mediate instability from moisture inconsistencies. These supports include a stable infrastructure created from formaldehyde-free Baltic birch plywood and steel bars that are glued and screwed to the underside of the table top.

When these methods are put in place, you can be sure that the reclaimed tables are aesthetically unique, filled with history, and built to last. Interested in working with us to receive some reclaimed tables for your next project? Contact us here today!

Client Feature: Tiny Tavern’s Crafted Cocktails Shine on Ambrosia Maple

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 22:13:00 GMT

Navy Pier has been a major Chicago landmark since opening 100 years ago this year. It is currently a famous tourist attraction, but with its recent renovations and the fact that local eateries are setting down roots along the Pier, there are more and more reasons for locals to visit, as well. The newest restaurant to open there is Tiny Tavern , an expansion of the north side of the city’s Tiny Lounge . Tiny Tavern brings the Pier its first crafted cocktails, along with a great beer and food selection. Reclaimed Table worked with architect Jason Archbald and designer Pam Valenta, both of Stantec , to bring a variety of custom, miter fold tables with I-beam bases to the sleek, yet cozy, space. Built with ambrosia maple, these tables offer a fresh, unique look, creating an environment that’s ideal for enjoying one of Tiny Tavern’s specialty cocktails.

Please take a look at our work at Tiny Tavern below, and be sure to stop by for one of their famous drinks. (Their Tiny Cider or Tito’s Hammock are at the top of our list!) Interested in using our custom pieces to help your next interior design project come alive? Don’t hesitate to contact us here !

Ambrosia maple miter fold tables play beautifully off the light grey booths

Our miter fold tables are reinforced with baltic birch plywood and steel to ensure they won’t cup or bow

Two of our custom tables fit perfectly with this large, wrap-around booth

These tables feature a gorgeous layered edge

View of the warm, inviting space

Close-up of the unique ambrosia maple pattern

The perfect spot for two

Client Feature: Roti Modern Mediterranean Boasts Fresh Food and Fresh Design

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 19:01:00 GMT

Roti Modern Mediterranean delivers fast food with fresh ingredients. From antibiotic-free chicken raised on farms rather than in cages to non-GMO rice, and even falafel and hummus made from organic chickpeas, Roti focuses on sustainably sourcing everything that goes into their meals.

Along with some of our other fast-fresh restaurant clients, including LYFE Kitchen and Sweetgreen , we’ve been thrilled to work with Roti and Aria Group , incorporating our furniture into the interior design of a few of their Chicago locations. We provided distressed and stained white oak miter fold tables, distressed and stained white oak butcher block tables and counter tops, and Cararra marble tables.

Roti Modern Mediterranean on Lake and Michigan in Chicago

White oak butcher block counters with a distressed stain/wipe finish offer a perfect spot to sit in front of the windows

Close up of the butcher block counters

Seating area with custom-shaped, white oak butcher block tables featuring a distressed stain/wipe finish. The soft lighting bounces nicely off of the table tops.

Beautiful graining on these uniquely shaped butcher block tables

Carrara marble table tops balance out the other wooden tables

Another butcher block table featuring a distressed stain/wipe finish, this time rectangular to mix things up

Miter-fold table with a distressed stain/wipe finish at Roti Modern Mediterranean on Clinton in Chicago

Innovation Leads You to LEED

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 16:38:00 GMT

With green building becoming more and more prevalent, many designers and architects rely on the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification as a benchmark for their work. However, some are unaware that along with the 100 points that can potentially be earned on the LEED scorecard, there are also six extra bonus points that aren’t featured on the rating system. These bonus points can be earned through innovation. While six points may not seem like a large number in the grand scheme of things, this amount could actually make a huge difference. In a recent USGBC article , Batya Metalitx, the technical director of LEED at USGBC stated, “It’s in a project’s best interest to use all of the innovation points because they’re essentially bonus points; they’re like extra credit. It could put you over the line between Certified and Silver and between Gold and Platinum.”

The USGBC article provides a great overview of how projects can earn these extra points, but we’ve broken down the options for you here, as well:

Working with a LEED Accredited Professional

One point earned, as simple as that!

Using Strategies from USGBC’s Innovation Catalog

Browse ideas from this great resource featuring successful methods that have been used in past projects and incorporate them into your own.

Exceed requirements in meeting existing LEED credits

Projects that have shown exemplary performance under the existing LEED credit categories can earn extra points.

Pilot New Credits

There are 50 available pilot credits, all noted in the Pilot Credit Library , which helps the USGBC test new credit ideas that will go into future versions of LEED. Projects can incorporate these pilot credits, and can, at times, even substitute any of these 50 credits for points on the existing LEED credit rating system. Teams who achieve these credits fill out a survey, which provides the USGBC with feedback on the credit.

Garden at the North Hills Wellness Center

One example of a pilot credit is the Local Food Production pilot credit. When building the North Hills Wellness Center in Los Angeles, Verdical Group achieved this pilot credit by including five herb garden areas in the landscaping. One of the pilot credits Group14 Engineering achieved for their University of Colorado Colorado Springs’ Summit Village (pictured at the top of this article) project was for Construction and Demolition Waste Management. This credit called for diverting at least half of the total construction and demolition material from three or more different material streams. Group14 recycled wood, metal, and concrete, keeping all of this material out of the waste stream.

Not only do projects earn extra points for all of these innovative designs, the companies themselves receive “bragging rights.” As Erica Weeks, of greenSTUDIO explained, “When you can say that you’ve earned one of these pilot credits that go above and beyond the standard criteria that everyone is used to, that gives you a marketable statement; a statement showing your commitment to doing things better.”

If you’re interested in achieving an extra credit, make sure to plan ahead. As John Marceau, Sustainability Project Manager at Group14, mentioned in the USGBC article, “Think about the innovation credits early on. Don’t put them off toward the end…[Y]ou try to squeeze them in if you need them but then it doesn’t work out.” Also, creativity is key. It’s extremely helpful to look through the Pilot Credit Library and Innovation Catalog, but don’t be afraid to submit a new idea to USGBC, as well. Innovation is what is needed to move toward a sustainable future.

Looking to also earn points for LEED under Materials and Resources, Environmental Quality, and Innovative Design? Our sustainably crafted furniture can contribute to all of these areas. Contact us for more information on how we can help your next project achieve LEED status.

Sweetgreen Champions Sustainable Food, Design, and Communities

Wed, 05 Oct 2016 21:49:00 GMT

As a firm supporter of a restaurant world filled with fresh food and green design, we’ve often taken the opportunity to share inspiring examples of these ideals (click here and here for past posts). With the August opening of Sweetgreen in Chicago, we knew this was a restaurant we could stand behind and were thrilled with the opportunity to work with them on the restaurant’s interior.

Founded in 2007 in Washington D.C., Sweetgreen now has more than 50 locations throughout the United States, with many more opening soon. It’s easy to see why. Sweetgreen’s seasonal menu varies by location and consists of salads, grain bowls and beverages that are made fresh daily from produce received every morning. Plus, Sweetgreen works with trusted farmers and sources locally whenever possible. Most of the produce suppliers for the Chicago location are less than two hours away.

Sweetgreen even has transparency written into its ethos. As co-founder Nicolas Jammet said in a recent Chicago Tribune article , “[Our] food ethos was about honoring the land and understanding that people should have closer connections to their food and this idea that transparency is everything. So not only being able to source incredible ingredients, but wanting our customers to know where they came from and connecting with it.” The farmers who provide the ingredients are listed on the restaurant walls, with a select group featured on the Sweetgreen website. The restaurants also have open kitchens, allowing customers to have the opportunity to watch the food being prepared.

Our hickory butcher block table and hickory shelving at Sweetgreen on North State Street in Chicago

Sweetgreen incorporates sustainability into everything it does, not only in terms of the food it serves, but also in terms of waste management and store design. The restaurant works to preserve the natural exterior of its stores and uses furniture made from reclaimed materials. At the Chicago location, we provided hickory shelves along with a hickory butcher block table, all made from eco-friendly materials.

If all of that isn’t enough, Sweetgreen also knows how to build a positive, healthy community both inside its restaurants and out. According to a Zagat article , the Sweetgreen teams have daily morning meetings, known as “sweet talks,” before opening the restaurants. During the “sweet talks,” the teams partake in a cheer and positive affirmations. Sweetgreen also manages a program called Sweetgreen in Schools, which uses fun, interactive activities to educate students on healthy eating, fitness, and sustainability. Currently, over 1,000 kids in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and NYC participate every year.

Next stop on Sweetgreen’s Chicago list is the West Loop early next year, with more to follow. We’re looking forward to seeing Sweetgreen spread their fresh food movement ideals further and are excited to be a part of it.

Interested in incorporating beautiful, sustainable design into your next project? Contact us today to get started!

Behind the Scenes Spotlight: Founder Frank Sullivan

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 12:26:00 GMT

Today we’re throwing the spotlight on our fearless founder and woodworker extraordinaire, Frank Sullivan. With an innate interest in wood and a family history of building (his grandfather was John J. Burns, partner of the Vitzhum and Burns, an architectural firm that designed several of Chicago’s iconic 1920s skyscrapers), you could say Frank was destined to own his own woodworking company. This father of two began making his way into the field in 1993, working as a carpenter on the second Maggiano’s Little Italy in Oak Brook. What started as a job where he simply repaired the restaurant, ultimately led to him becoming the senior concept design manager, overseeing the nationwide expansion of over 20 Maggiano’s restaurants.

In 2002, Frank opened his own company, Construction Solutions, which created millwork packages for restaurants in the Chicago area. Eventually, he decided to specialize in using reclaimed wood and eco-friendly materials and started Reclaimed Table in 2008. Although owning his own business wasn’t something that was initially on his radar, he wouldn’t want to be doing anything else today.

We sat down with Frank to learn a bit more about his background, Reclaimed Table’s history, and the many roles he plays as founder, partner, and head of production activities for the company.

***

How did you begin woodworking?

From a very early age I always enjoyed building and fixing things. Woodworking was a natural fit for me.

Why did you decide to open Reclaimed Table?

I started Reclaimed Table in 2008 during the recession. Most of the work we were doing dried up, and I had to decide to close the doors [on Construction Solutions] or take the business in a new direction. I did not always want my own business. When I left Brinker [International, owner of Maggiano’s] in 2002, I figured I would work for myself for a while doing carpentry work before going back to the construction management field. One project lead to another and fourteen years later, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love owning a business and all that goes with it.

What has been the most challenging part of making Reclaimed Table come alive?

I don’t think it’s been challenging making Reclaimed Table come alive. What we do here is very unique and we have a great group of people who do it very well. It’s an inherently lively business.

Your job must take a lot of multitasking. Can you describe what an average day is like for you?

I spend most of my day solving problems and putting out “fires.” An average day can also include:

• Sales
• Business development
• Meeting with customers
• Materials research—we’re always looking for unique inventory
• Ordering materials
• Doing quotes
• Keeping all the shop employees productive and watching the workflow—we’re always coming up on a deadline.
• Always trying to fit in some product development
• Endless Emails
• Sharpening the planer
• Fixing/maintaining tools
• Performing any number of processes required to build our tables, paneling, live edge slabs and steel bases
• Working with vendors
• Quality control
• Finding the next great employee

Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on thus far?

There are so many, it’s hard to say. One of our corporate live edge slab tables comes to mind first. It’s 6′ wide x 24′ long x 2 1/2″ thick and comprised of sixteen walnut slabs perfectly seamed and flattened.

***

We’re extremely grateful to have such a creative, hardworking problem solver to lead our team. It looks like stripping all the woodwork in his parents’ house and refinishing it as a 15-year-old definitely paid off.

Interested in seeing some of his beautiful past projects? Visit our portfolio to learn more!

Food Halls: Sweeping the Nation With Fresh Food

Thu, 08 Sep 2016 21:53:00 GMT

The concept of food halls has been taking hold in the United States, growing out of the ashes of the once-popular food courts. Already prevalent in other countries around the world, food halls take the fast-food eateries and plastic chairs found in food courts and bring them to the next level. In fact, food halls are becoming the ideal space for hungry lunch-goers and restaurateurs alike.

Historically, food markets are nothing new. Harrod’s in London and Östermalm Food Hall in Stockholm, both established in the 19 ^th century, are simply two examples of food halls that have long provided shoppers with fresh, local food. This is exactly what consumers in the U.S. are currently searching for. They yearn for healthy food choices, paying careful attention to quality, where their food comes from, and what goes into the ingredients. By steering wide and clear of the usual greasy food court offerings, food halls are up to the challenge of satisfying consumers’ concerns.

Hand-rolled ricotta gnocchi with tomato, basil, and mozzarella di bufala at La Pizza & La Pasta in Chicago’s Eataly

Furthermore, food halls create a financially safe venue for new restaurants. Real estate services company UCR recently posted an article on this topic and quoted Sasha Levine, one of the lessors of a Dallas food hall, The Market. Levine explained:

Food halls are a smart investment for entrepreneurs because they act as incubators where you can try out a concept and grow your business and customer base before moving to a larger space or expanding…Startup and overhead costs are usually lower than street retail and tenants have the ability to co-exist with larger local brand names that already have an established customer base.

Food halls also allow restaurateurs the opportunity to reach new customers who they might not otherwise reach due to the high costs at upscale restaurants. In a recent CBS news article , Andrew Knowlton, the executive director of Bon Appetit, said, “‘This is a way for them to get that same great taste from that same great chef at, you know, a one-hundredth of the price.’”

Many food halls have also placed an emphasis on reclaiming historical buildings for their sites. Ponce City Market in Atlanta was once a Sears warehouse and store, while San Francisco’s Ferry Building Market Place was a ferry station in the 1800s. Developers will often update the inside of a building, but preserve the historical exterior. In the above-mentioned UCR article, Levine also stated, “Food halls try to stay consistent with their local, community preserving ideals by rejuvenating the history of neighborhoods.”

Legacy Food Hall, opening fall 2017 in Plano, TX

The list of food halls is growing with new openings all around the country. Along with Eataly , Chicago French Market , and Latinicity , which are already Chicago staples, Revival Food Hall, opened last month, housing over a dozen vendors. A new food hall is also set to open in the loop next spring with the consulting help of Jonathan Fox, the owner of Firecakes Donuts. Additionally, Jack Gibbons and Randy DeWitt, partners of Front Burner Restaurants, plan to open Legacy Hall in Plano, Texas in the fall of 2017. Inspired after exploring Foodhallen, a food hall in Amsterdam, Gibbons and DeWitt are transforming a 55,000 square foot space into a full-on entertainment center. Legacy Hall will have over 20 food vendors, a brewery, and even a stage area for live music. Having so many great food options in historically preserved spaces, at a lower price point is a win-win for everyone.

Need some furniture for your next food hall or restaurant project? Contact us today so we can get started!

The post Food Halls: Sweeping the Nation With Fresh Food appeared first on Reclaimed Table .

Educational Design Supports the Heart of Learning

Tue, 23 Aug 2016 21:06:00 GMT

The methods schools use to approach learning is shifting dramatically. There is a stronger emphasis placed on collaborative learning, which emphasizes creativity, lively discussions, and merging disciplines in order to encourage learning from peers. To facilitate this change, schools’ architecture and design have to shift as well. Gone are the traditional rows of desks and closed-off classrooms. Instead, universities and K-12 schools are transforming their environments to allow for flexibility of space, integration of technology, and intermingling of students, teachers, and disciplines.

According to an article in Educase , spaces are being designed to encourage learning to happen anywhere and anytime. Hallways are no longer used to simply get from one room to another, but are widened to encourage discussion and, as the New York Times put it in a recent article , a “creative collision.” Furthermore, furniture is flexible and can be arranged into multiple configurations. Dan Huttenlocher, founding dean and vice provost at Cornell Tech stated, “Being in bigger interactive spaces encourages expansive thinking, while being in a box of a room encourages box thinking. Sometimes you need to be in a box to concentrate, but to always sit in a little box is a problem.” Students can now decide where they’d like to work, finding the place that’s most conducive for them and having the option to move around and take breaks at built-in cafes.

At York University in Toronto, the new Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence , which is pictured above. incorporates many of these design elements. ZAS Architects designed the building to be void of lecture halls, replacing them with “active learning classrooms.” The building also features a plethora of informal lounges and wide hallways with banquettes where groups of students can work together. Their back-painted glass walls and technology-incorporated furniture can even be written upon.

Collaborative workspaces at Northshore Country Day School

At Northshore Country Day School , a K-12 school in Winnetka, IL, the physical environment is considered to play a significant role in 21st century learning. When Cannon Design redesigned the school a few years ago, they had five themes in mind. According to their website, these themes were:

Creating agile and flexible community spaces; reinforcing outdoor connections; creating diverse and customizable teaching and learning styles; designing interdisciplinary and collaborative areas that merge science with the arts, innovation and technology; and establishing spaces that nurture relationships and interaction among teachers and learners.

These themes are conveyed through spaces that are open and connected, through furniture built on casters so it can easily be reconfigured, and through circulation spaces that can double as gathering and performance areas. According to architect Trung Le in this EDuQ8 video , the previous environment was physically and visually disconnected. “This place is all about connecting.”

The Visual Arts Building at The University of Iowa has an open design to allow easy access to viewing art-making

Others schools have also embraced design that fosters this new dynamic method of teaching and learning. Gensler turned a parking garage into a high-tech workspace at Northwestern University. The space also includes classrooms, meeting areas where weekly alumni and student dinners are hosted, and a cafe. The University of Iowa’s new art building was built to also host STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) classes, pushing the boundaries of these disciplines as they’re blended together.

Here at Reclaimed Table, we’re looking forward to seeing how this innovative design for education will continue to develop and incite creativity. Interested in having reconfigurable furniture to spur your own creativity? We’ve got you covered with our rolling bases and pull-apart tables! Contact us today! Also, be sure to check out our friends over at Agati for some other great furniture options!

Own a Piece of History: Reclaimed Kentucky Horse Fence

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 02:00:00 GMT

One of our favorite products to work with here at Reclaimed Table is reclaimed wood that originally served as horse fences in Kentucky. Not only is the wood beautiful, but it has a unique history behind it that makes it even more desirable. The wood comes from the farm Shawnee Springs, located in Mercer County, Kentucky, one of the first settlements in the state. Additionally, Shawnee Springs is considered one of Kentucky’s best pieces of farmland. By using this wood, we’ve been able to infuse a rich history into many different pieces of our furniture.

Although the Kentucky horse fence isn’t in the best condition when we receive it, as shown in the photo above, we are able to uncover its hidden potential. We turn the rough, raw wood into tables and paneling that can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Please scroll down to see a selection of our pieces created with Kentucky horse fence. Interested in owning your own piece of history? Contact us today.

Kentucky Horse Fence Paneling Project, Finishing at the Shop

Close Up of Kentucky Horse Fence Paneling

Red and White Oak Kentucky Horse Fence Paneling, Photo Credit: Angela Garbot Photography

Red Oak Kentucky Horse Fence Butcher Block Table

Close Up of Red Oak Kentucky Horse Fence Butcher Block

Shining With Style: The Showroom on Hubbard

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 16:55:00 GMT

It’s difficult to believe we opened our Chicago showroom well over a year ago! Though our previous showroom was located right in the action of our manufacturing space, just west of the city in Villa Park, we now appreciate having the opportunity to be near the heart of the design community. Our building can be found in the River West area of Chicago. It is one of the few to survive the Chicago fire, which, along with our reclaimed furniture, brings a unique history to the space. We worked with Whitney Architects on our showroom design, presenting them with a difficult design challenge: create a space that would not only serve as our furniture showroom, but also hold the dual purpose of being a venue clients could rent out for events. They definitely exceeded our expectations.

Whitney began with mostly white walls, as can be seen in the photo above, creating a blank canvas that allows the rich variety of our wooden furniture and paneling to pop and warm up the space. Neutral walls also make a great jumping off point for those hosting events here, allowing clients to easily bring the vision of their event to The Showroom.

Walnut paneling, walnut butcher block cabinets, wormy beech coffee table

We wanted to display as many of our pieces as we could, in a number of the different styles, species, and stains we offer. However, we didn’t want an overwhelmingly mismatched space. In order to do so, we separated the areas where the paneling is located, having walnut in the sitting area and red and white oak and white wood mix in the men’s and women’s bathrooms respectively. Placing the variety of wooden tables sprinkled throughout the main area creates a satisfying eclectic look, as shown below.

We employ a flexible layout, as we often bring in freshly-designed pieces of furniture so there’s always a new selection for designers and clients to see when visiting. We also have the ability to create the ideal furniture arrangement for the events we host, catering the space to our clients wishes.

This area near the entryway was transformed into banquette seating. The light streaming through the windows allows our 2-top tables to shine.

Hickory table in front, red oak just behind

White oak bar with butcher block cabinets, reclaimed elm table with custom I-beam rolling bases

The white oak bar creates a beautiful focal point in the space and shows off the expert craftsmanship Reclaimed Table offers.

Sycamore, poplar, and walnut live edge slabs

In order to display more of our live edge slab tables without taking up floor space, three of them are hung vertically.

Along with the navy curtain, the slabs also serve as a room divider for our back office.

Because Frank Sullivan, our founding partner, grew up in Chicago, and because we’re located there, we wanted to infuse a sense of the city into the space. Behind the above walnut live edge slab table hangs an original sketch of the Burnham Building on Randolph and LaSalle, drawn by architect Daniel Burnham in 1923. Other pictures of the city, many of which were taken by another of our partners, Jim Ruprecht, hang throughout The Showroom. Here are a couple behind the hickory butcher block table below.

The Showroom on Hubbard has not only grown to be the perfect design center and space for our clients, it has also become our home away from home. Interested in coming to see our products in person? Contact us to schedule an appointment. Wanting to learn more about renting out our venue for your next event? Visit The Showroom on Hubbard website here !

All photos by Jacob Hand Photography

Behind the Scenes: Touring the Home of One of Our Own

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 16:56:00 GMT

It’s time for another behind the scenes look at Reclaimed Table! This time we’ll be learning a bit about one of Reclaimed Table’s partners and lead designer, Jim Ruprecht, and his beautiful home and family, as we embark on a tour of his sustainably-designed, Chicago home.

The Ruprecht’s home is located in the coveted Old Town neighborhood, brimming with historic charm and cobblestone sidewalks. Jim and his wife Nancy, who works in sales at the consulting firm Beard Group, moved into their house three years ago. Although Jim was gearing up for a rehab project, Nancy was, well let’s just say she was less than thrilled with that idea. As luck would have it, Jim ended up quickly falling in love with an 1880s home that mirrored the historic elements of the neighborhood, but was, in fact, already renovated. Jim explained that their home is the perfect marriage of modern amenities and historical character. Plus, “It was perfect for our marriage,” he joked.

Although the home was already up-to-date when they moved in, Jim and Nancy enhanced it further by incorporating eco-friendly features that easily harmonized with their preferred design style: clean lines and mid-century modern, but also industrial and slightly eclectic. With the variety of sustainable furniture (including plenty of Reclaimed Table furniture that Jim designed himself), lighting, and other elements available today, choosing to go green was both a simple and ethical route for the Ruprechts to follow. “In conjunction with the philosophy of why I’m part of Reclaimed Table, it’s important to try to be as efficient as possible, reuse as much as you can, and not be wasteful,” Jim noted. “Being able to minimize our global footprint is an important aspect.”

Jim and Nancy’s three children, Jonathan, Jacob, and Megan, are all young adults and no longer permanently live with them. However, this whopping 7,400 square foot home always seems to be filled with visiting family and friends. But as Jim said, they wouldn’t have it any other way. “When our kids were growing up, our house was always the house that everyone came to, and now it’s still the same.” The home has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a separate apartment space in the basement, and even a theater area (AKA their daughter Meg’s cave). We also mustn’t forget the Ruprecht’s rambunctious Portuguese water dog, Han Solo, who happens to spend quite a bit of time at our showroom.

Jim and Nancy are thrilled to have the space to host and entertain, especially on their new roof deck, the one project they did tackle. Although Jim does have a few more projects he’d like to take on, he realizes you can’t do everything you want right away. But there’s no rush. “We’re planning on being here a while.”

Enjoy his home tour below!

When you walk through the door of Jim and Nancy’s home, the dining area is the first room you see. It features an original exposed brick wall and beams. The window shutters are a great example of reusing materials. They were actually made from the beams and floorboards that were removed when the previous owners renovated the space. The table is reclaimed white oak designed and built by Reclaimed Table. It’s perfect for big family gatherings when the kids are home.

“One of the things we like about the house is that, for a city house, it has huge amounts of natural light. It’s just so bright.” These windows, which go all the way up to the second floor, are energy efficient replacements for the original ones and help insulate the house much more effectively.

Jim and Nancy have infused their home with a Chicago feel. These are paintings of the famous Chicago ‘L’ trains and were bought at a local art festival held in the Cornelia Arts Building. They hang in their breakfast nook.

Thanks to the main level’s open floor plan, light streams easily from one end of the house to the other. The family room features another table designed by Jim for Reclaimed Table, this one reclaimed beech made with formaldehyde-free Baltic birch plywood and low-VOC finishes.

This is a view of the formal living room from the second floor balcony. This area was added on during the former owner’s renovation. “It kept the original character of the house, so you wouldn’t think it’s an add-on,” Jim said. The fan brings a sense of whimsical eclecticism to the space.

These shelves in Megan’s room are also made from the original floorboards and beams of the house. Her design aesthetic is a bit less minimalistic than her parents’, but the inspirational quotes, memory-filled photos, and favorite books perfectly reflect her personality.

When Jim and Nancy added the roof deck, the staircase needed to reach an additional floor. Luckily, they were able to seamlessly match the new oak floors and railing to the originals, maintaining the industrial style Jim loves. They were also able to find the same cascading lighting fixture in order to extend the one that was already there. They replaced the bulbs with low voltage LED lights.

The roof deck is their favorite spot in the house. Jim worked with Chicago Roof Deck and Garden “to create a series of rooms on the roof deck that would reflect different functions, different conditions, and different experiences.” The walnut table and paneling, designed by Jim and built by Reclaimed Table, along with the other wooden elements create a rich, inviting atmosphere.

While the above roof deck space is ideal for a quiet dinner, Jim and Nancy use the wet bar area for grabbing a drink and gathering around with family and friends. The walnut live edge table and paneling is again Jim’s unique design.

Jim, Nancy, and their 8-year-old dog, Solo. For some reason, he still thinks he’s a puppy.

Want to incorporate some of our sustainably beautiful furniture into your own home? Contact us to learn how!

Find Healthier Products for Your Next Project With mindful MATERIALS

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 15:26:00 GMT

Many interior designers today are attempting to use products that take the health of consumers and the environment into consideration. This can be difficult given the millions of chemicals that aren’t inventoried by the Toxic Substance Control Act, which can potentially cause harm when used in the built environment. Specifying healthier products can be a challenge, but thanks to mindful MATERIALS , it’s becoming less of a burden.

There are many types of product health certifications that are already in existence. Because there are so many, streamlined optimization and transparency information can be a bit lacking. mindful MATERIALS consists of a spreadsheet and labeling system that offers straightforward, comprehensive specification information, so designers can easily select the products they need, in an informed manner.

In order for manufacturers’ products to be incorporated into the mindful MATERIALS program, they need to fill out the mindful MATERIALS Spreadsheet for each product. The spreadsheet denotes whether products have certain certifications or attributions. These include Health Product Declarations , Declare. , Cradle to Cradle , GreenScreen , and CAS , among others. Anyone searching for this sort of specification information can easily see it all in one place.

The labeling system consists of The Transparency Label, which is placed on product binders in resource libraries. The label provides the main optimization and transparency information about the product, offering a quick reference for anyone interested.

Designers, architects, contractors, or others wanting to be more involved with this initiative can join the mindful MATERIALS Collaborative. Members of the Collaborative work together to collect and share information, establishing a bridge between designers and manufacturers.

Anne Rezac, John Mlade, and Susan Heinking, who are all helping lead the mindful MATERIALS initiative, recently presented mindful MATERIALS: Distinguishing Green & Healthy Materials at the NRA Show. They noted, “It’s part of our responsibility to care about what goes in our buildings…We need to be knowledgeable and educate clients.” mindful MATERIALS takes all of the complexity out of choosing healthier products, while also increasing awareness of them. With higher awareness, consumers will begin to care more about what goes into their buildings. In turn, these consumers will encourage manufacturers to create healthier products.

mindful MATERIALS is free for users (designers, architects, and others looking for specification information), partners, and manufacturers to join. If you’re interested in more information on how to get involved, please visit their website . To learn how we focus on health with our own products, please click here .

Raising New Designs for Raised: An Urban Rooftop Bar

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 17:57:00 GMT

One of our favorite recent projects here at Reclaimed Table is our work at Raised: An Urban Rooftop Bar at The Renaissance Hotel . We had the pleasure of collaborating with The Gettys Group on this project, providing a variety of custom-designed tables and accessories. Located right on the Chicago River with stunning panoramic views of the city, Raised’s space is full of gorgeous views, both inside and out. Please enjoy our photo tour below!

The cantilevered, white oak, butcher block table tops add some industrial flavor to the space with their steel end caps

Detail shot of the white oak butcher block

Our zinc top communal table with a steel base is the perfect spot to gather around for a drink

Close-up of our custom-designed steel base

Another custom-designed zinc table top with walnut legs and cabinetry. The lighting fixture reflects beautifully off the metal

View of the teak we provided for the rooftop area

Our flower boxes line the perimeter of the rooftop, offering a beautiful view of the city and river just behind

Come for the delectable food and drinks, stay for the inviting ambiance

Interested in seeing some of our other projects? Click here to view our portfolio.

Behind the Scenes Spotlight: Christy Banda

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 19:19:00 GMT

Today, we wanted to take you behind the scenes and shine a spotlight on one of our dedicated shop employees, Christy Banda! Born in Aurora, Colorado, Christy has a huge admiration for the great outdoors, which remained with her when she moved out to the midwest at the age of 12. Her role at Reclaimed Table has grown immensely since she began working here three years ago after realizing office life was no longer for her. Luckily, her brother Scott is our master craftsman, so he brought her on board.

Please enjoy learning more about her below!

What are your roles with Reclaimed Table?

Jack of all trades. LOL. My role has changed a lot in the last year. I assist in the shop with gluing, clamping, cutting tables, joining, cleaning and maintenance, inventory, ordering wood, organization, prepping tables for lining, and processing paneling. I order all supplies for the shop. I now pay all of our bills, as well. I am also working on implementation of Exact, a manufacturing program that will do all our financials, our shop work orders, quotes, invoices, and inventory.

Is this your first job in this field?

Yes. I had helped Scott when he owned his own shop. I drilled, buffed, planed, caught off the table saw, and stained, but not to the extent of tasks that I do here.

How did you begin woodworking?

My grandfather was a general contractor and I helped him with some stuff while he was building houses. Most of what I have learned has been from Scott in his shop or building items for himself or others.

What’s your ideal project to work on?

I don’t really have an ideal project to work on. I like to learn new things. I like to see what we can make from the wood that we purchase. I like that every board has its own unique character and the many different wood types that are available.

What’s your favorite part about working with Reclaimed Table?

Seeing the numerous beautiful things that we make every day and the variety of different tasks that I do to help make our high quality products or to help make the company better

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?

I like to fish, hike and enjoy the outdoors. I play soccer, read, and do jigsaw puzzles. I like to cook. Playing with or keeping my 2 year old golden retriever, Spirit, out of trouble. He lives up to his name.

Stay tuned for more behind the scenes spotlights coming soon! In the meantime, take a look at all of the incredible products being made by our team, here .

Hotel Industry Booms With Sustainable Style

Wed, 18 May 2016 16:36:00 GMT

The hotel industry runs on a 24-hour schedule, 365 days per year, so it’s no surprise that countless hotels succumb to an extremely high amount of energy use. However, many of these hotels are turning to sustainable solutions in order to reduce that amount. According to this United States Green Building Council (USGBC) article , hotels cover over 5 billion square feet of space in this country. Therefore, the strides the hotel industry is putting forth make a huge positive impact on not only the hotels themselves, but also on their guests and the environment.

An article in The New York Times explains that eco-friendly practices from hotels come in the form of low-flow shower heads, energy-efficient boilers and coolers, and extensive recycling programs. Furthermore, hotel interiors can feature furniture with reclaimed materials, FSC certified wood, and low-VOC finishes, such as the products we, at Reclaimed Table offer.

Virgin Hotel Chicago

Virgin Hotels has taken a major stance on sustainability because, as they believe, “doing good for people and planet is good for business.” With green roofs for better storm water management, green housekeeping, and hotel-wide recycling, among other initiatives, their new Chicago hotel has obtained LEED Gold status. Virgin Hotels’ goal is to eventually have net zero carbon and net zero waste.

The Peninsula New York , pictured at the top of the page, is installing all LED lighting throughout the hotel and eight new energy-efficient elevators. Though the lighting alone will cost $250,000 and the elevators ring in at $1.1 million, the cost in energy savings will be more than worth it in the long run.

However, according to an article in Sustainable Chicago , the upfront costs of choosing sustainable solutions are not always easy to swallow. Daniel Wellborn, a Principal with the Chicago-based interior design, branding, procurement, and consulting firm, Gettys Group , explains in the article, ‘“When that’s the case, we go into sneaky sustainability mode…Without increasing costs, we’ll go for materials and products that are sustainable and just put them into the specifications.”’ Many suppliers today, Reclaimed Table included, offer eco-friendly products, making it simple for firms like Gettys to stick to their goals when it comes to sustainability. Plus, today’s sustainable products come in a large range of design styles, allowing them to match any aesthetic necessary.

Hotels are also encouraging their guests to engage in greener practices, such as reusing linens and towels and foregoing cleaning services in exchange for rewards points. At the Marriott, such an incentive led to an 11-17% decrease in water and sewer expenses related to laundering.

The Hyatt Regency, Minneapolis was designed with sustainability in mind. Image from here .

Because of cost-savings and a positive brand image associated with going green, the amount of green hotels is rising. USGBC explains, “Today, LEED-certified hotels of all sizes are found in more than 40 U.S. states, 31 countries and five continents.” For instance Starwood’s Elements hotels and Hyatt Hotels all incorporate LEED mandates in their design specs.

The movement isn’t only being pushed by hotels, but also by cities. The NYC Carbon Challenge , which began in 2007 in order to encourage universities to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, recently added hotels to the initiative. These hotels have committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30 percent in the next ten years. The New York Times article mentioned earlier explains that this reduction is “a move that could reduce emissions by more than 32,000 metric tons and save $25 million of energy operating costs.”

We’re thrilled with this work being done by the hotel industry and are looking forward to seeing it expand further. We’re also proud to be able to play a role in it with our sustainable furniture that can contribute to LEED points. Please take a look at what we can offer the hospitality industry here .

Client Feature: The Java House

Wed, 04 May 2016 15:27:00 GMT

What began as an idea cultivated by a college student in a sorority house has grown into The Java House , a widely popular coffee spot with several locations throughout Iowa City. In 1990, founder Tara Cronbaugh developed a passion for the coffee house ambiance while visiting family in Berkeley and Santa Cruz, California. As a student at the University of Iowa at the time, Tara realized that Iowa City lacked the inviting atmospheres that the small California coffee shops afforded their customers. Therefore, she decided to bring the coffee house concept to the Midwest.

The original downtown Iowa City location opened in 1993. It featured a brew bar, where every cup of coffee was brewed individually, so it was as fresh as possible. However, when we spoke with Tara, she reiterated, “While the coffee was really important, it wasn’t really what we were selling. We were selling something more spectacular.” They were selling the ambiance. The welcoming cafe was full of high-end antique furniture, including Victorian couches and Tiffany lamps that provided soft lighting. While guests were waiting the two or three minutes for their coffee to be poured, they had time to converse with one another. Magazines and newspapers were readily available in order to stimulate conversation. It was a place for guests to relax and call their home away from home.

The Java House, University of Iowa Papajohn Biomedical Institute
Walnut Tables by Reclaimed Table

We had the pleasure of working with The Java House at their University of Iowa Pappajohn Biomedical Institute location. Since this project was university-inspired, the design team was in need of furniture that was easier to maintain than antiques. However, Tara was adamant that no laminate or stainless steel would be used. She wanted real wood to keep the space warm, and we were able to provide that in the form of solid walnut tables.

We also worked on The Java House’s recent Mormon Trek location expansion, which now includes The Java House’s sister company, Heirloom Salad Company . Because the store was 18 years old, it was also due for a remodel. Tara was focused on ensuring the space catered to her many different types of customers, whether they were groups of friends meeting to catch up or single coffee-goers working on a computer. We provided custom walnut and white oak butcher block counters, miter fold tables, a large round table, butcher block benches, and a variety of custom steel bases. Our furniture’s high quality wood helped The Java House cultivate a space that carries on the homey ambiance that guests have become accustomed to enjoying. Plus, the wide range of pieces, from rectangular tables to rounds to benches to counters, allows the cafe to have niches for solo guests and pairs, along with seating for larger groups.

Java House Mormon Trek Location
Tables, Counters, and Benches by Reclaimed Table

The intention behind the remodel was not only to stay up to date in terms of the aesthetics of the space, but also to satisfy the challenges that come with current technology. For instance, Tara had to pay strict attention to the positioning of the power outlets. “It’s something you didn’t have to think about 18 years ago,” she said. Back then, the cafe had a phone booth, and customers weren’t fighting for a spot to plug in their battery-depleted laptops. Tara explained, “You have to be creative with how you set it [the space] up.” One solution was making the benches wide so outlets could be installed underneath to attract studiers. In the lunch area of the store, no outlets are available because the goal is to encourage groups to gravitate toward this area and engage in conversation. The strategic layout leads to The Java House’s ideal environment, one that is the perfect balance of relaxing, yet social.

With more locations in the works, it’s clear that ambiance really does sell. Here’s hoping The Java House ambiance is soon brought here to Chicago!

To see more of our restaurant projects, please visit our Portfolio .

Celebrate Earth Day: Plant a Tree With ForestNation

Wed, 20 Apr 2016 16:10:00 GMT

In honor of Earth Day, we decided to focus today’s post on a company who knows that being a successful business and having a positive impact on the environment and society aren’t mutually exclusive: ForestNation . As a social business, ForestNation weighs their commercial, social, and environmental goals equally. Their website states, “We believe that if we can all make successful business[es] out of doing good then lots more good things will come about.” Following this philosophy, ForestNation gives other organizations the opportunity to purchase tree kits to use for fundraising, employee gifts, or promotional items. This allows individuals to plant their own trees and create a greener world.

Why trees? Trees offer countless benefits to the environment . For instance, trees help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and combat climate change by absorbing CO2. They also help reduce deforestation, improving the quality of soil, and they clean the air by absorbing pollutants and releasing a great deal of oxygen. Trees create sustainable energy sources and other resources, as well, including biofuels and fibers that can be used to make eco-friendly clothing.

ForestNation’s tree kits are made from biodegradable packaging and come with everything you need to plant and grow your very own tree. In turn, you become a citizen of ForestNation. Each tree has a unique code that you can use to register your tree online and add it to the map of other trees that have been planted. Plus, for every tree an individual plants, ForestNation will plant another tree in a developing country. Once you register your tree, you can even look on their website to see where ForestNation planted your sister tree. So far, over 300,000 tree kits have been purchased, and ForestNation has planted a matching number.

The company displays the following quote on their homepage: “Imagine a world where everyone grows their own trees.” Thanks to the remarkable work ForestNation has done, we are far closer to achieving their ideal.

We truly admire ForestNation’s unique work, which is why we decided to partner with them to create our own campaign . Here’s where you come in! We want you to join the campaign! We currently have gorgeous red maple tree kits at our Chicago showroom, The Showroom on Hubbard, waiting for you to pick up, so you can become a citizen of ForestNation, as well. Please contact us at info@reclaimedtable.com to schedule a time to pick up your tree kit and make this planet a healthier one.

Are you doing anything special to celebrate Earth Day? Let us know in the comments below!

Plant Chicago Blends Food Production With Sustainability

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 15:57:00 GMT

Plant Chicago is a nonprofit that is transforming our perspective on sustainability, especially when it comes to food. By seeing waste as an opportunity, they help individuals and businesses learn how to make their environments healthier and more efficient. In doing so, they disrupt conventional processes and create innovative solutions for eco-friendly food production.

Plant Chicago was founded in 2011 in order to develop and provide education on circular economies of food production, energy conservation, and material reuse. As their website explains, “In a circular economy, conventional waste streams from one process are repurposed as inputs for another, creating a circular, closed-loop model of material reuse.” Therefore, waste from one source is used as material for another, eliminating the amount of waste sent to a landfill.

The Plant, a 93,500 square foot former meat packing plant located in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago, is not only the place that Plant Chicago calls home, but it is also an excellent example of a circular economy. According to a Natural Resources Defense Council article , John Edel, the founder of Bubbly Dynamics, purchased the building in 2010. Bubbly Dynamics is an organization that repurposes derelict buildings in Chicago, and Edel had a special mission in mind for this one. He was looking “to create a model for urban agriculture in which one business’s trash could serve as another’s treasure, as a means for conserving resources and energy.”

The executive director of Plant Chicago, Jonathan Pereira, graciously spoke with us and explained that The Plant currently houses 15 small businesses, all involved with the food industry. Their products include bread, beer, coffee, mushrooms, greens, kombucha, cheese, and honey, among others. Whether focusing on farming, brewing, or baking, the businesses make it possible to mutually close their waste, energy, and material loops. Periera mentioned that The Plant hopes to double its number of occupants, but construction is still ongoing.

Though not all of these systems are put in place at The Plant, this video provides a clear explanation as to how the relationships between different businesses can work together to create a net-zero energy system. For example, plants can be grown that make oxygen for kombucha which in turn can make carbon dioxide for the plants. Furthermore, spent grain from the beer brewery can feed fish whose waste products can feed the plants. The waste that is unable to be reused can be fed to an anaerobic digester, which can transform the waste into biogas. The biogas can then provide heat and electricity to the building.

As part of Plant Chicago’s education efforts, the organization offers hands-on learning to assist businesses and the general public with incorporating sustainability into their current practices. Periera explained, “We work with businesses to identify ways that their output can be repurposed as input.” Their public workshops include mushroom growing and aquaponics. Aquaponics combines growing plants in water with raising fish, each system working symbiotically with the other. If you’re interested, the workshop schedule can be found here . They also offer field trips and classroom visits that focus on food production and sustainability for K-12 students. Plus, they host weekly public tours, so you can see their work in action for yourself. There’s even a year-round farmer’s market, filled with fresh produce, coffee, kombucha, and bread.

Periera mentioned that Plant Chicago uses The Plant as a study site to inspire its other projects. There are also similar endeavors occurring all around the world. For instance, in Copenhagen, a restaurant is being created to run on a closed-loop system. Other related projects are popping up in Ohio, Tennessee, and across the country with regard to landfills, solid waste reclamation, and sewage waste. Anaerobic digesters are taking off, as well.

We’re looking forward to seeing the further expansion of circular economies and the positive implications it will offer. To learn more about Plant Chicago, please visit their website, here . To learn more about our own sustainable practices, please click here and scroll down to our section entitled Commitment to Sustainability.

Plainsawn, Quartersawn, or Riftsawn? Choosing the Right Cut

Wed, 23 Mar 2016 19:42:00 GMT

When designing one of our pieces of furniture, there are many options one needs to consider, including size, wood species, stain, custom finish, and more. But did you know that it’s also important to take into account the way in which wood is cut? Generally, there are three ways a sawmill cuts wood: plainsawn, quartersawn, and riftsawn. Deciding on a specific cut of wood not only plays a vital role in a piece of furniture’s design style, but also in its durability.

Plainsawn wood is the quickest and easiest to mill and therefore, it is the most readily available and affordable. Logs of wood are simply cut into parallel slabs. Due to the angle of the cut with respect to the annual rings, boards sawn in that manner reveal varied, cathedral-like grain patterns. Of the three types of cuts, plainsawn wood is the least structurally sound. Wood naturally expands and contracts due to moisture in the environment, which can cause cupping or warping. When wood cups, it does so in the opposite direction of the curve of its growth rings. As you can see in the image below, the annual rings of plainsawn wood make it easily susceptible to this fate.

Creating quartersawn wood is more time and labor intensive. First, a log must be cut into four quarters, and then each quarter is plainsawn. Because of the extra work involved, quartersawn wood is more expensive than plainsawn wood. However, quartersawn wood is also more dimensionally stable. The annual rings end up at a 60-90 degree angle with respect to the face of the board.

This increases the wood’s moisture resistance, so it is less likely to cup or bow. This cut also features a straight grain pattern that lends itself well to a linear design. In red and white oak, quartersawn wood also features beautiful flecking, a wavy pattern in the wood shown below.

Riftsawn wood is usually manufactured as a complement to quartersawn wood. In order to mill riftsawn lumber, the wood is cut perpendicular to the log’s annual rings. Because it is the most labor intensive and produces the most waste, riftsawn wood is the most expensive of the three. On the other hand, it is ideal for custom furniture because it is the strongest structurally and has a linear grain pattern on all sides of the board, as shown below. This makes it perfect for furniture that exposes all sides of the wood.

Whether you choose plainsawn, quartersawn, or riftsawn wood, there will always be an option to fit your design aesthetic and budget. Contact us so we can figure out the best option for you!

Images from here , here , and here .

Advanced Wooden Architecture Prevents Earthquake Damage

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 18:00:00 GMT

According to the Auckland Wood Smart Construction Seminar , in order to ensure public safety, buildings have historically been designed to prevent collapse in the event of an earthquake. Clearly, using this ‘strength-based’ approach toward engineering is vital, but what if we could do more to save the actual buildings themselves? The 2011 earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand caused massive damage to the South Island city. One thousand buildings were knocked down because that was less expensive than repairing them. Fortunately, The University of Canterbury engineering professors Andy Buchman and Stefano Pampanin, with assistance from senior lecturer Dr. Alessandro Palermo, have designed ways to construct more resilient buildings. Known as low damage design, this type of construction employs concrete, steel, and now, thanks to new research, wood, which provides substantial benefits to the environment and the building community.

Conventional building design uses shear walls, which counterbalance the lateral load of a building. These walls hinge at the base, and if an earthquake occurs, irreparable damage may also occur. On the other hand, low damage systems allow for controlled damage that can be repaired. The Wood Smart Construction Series seminar packet states, “Low damage systems allow the shear walls to rock and re-center avoiding damage to the base of the wall. In frames systems[,] beams and columns can rock together and avoid damaging beam hinging mechanisms.” Professor Buchman offers a further explanation to this design in a Rethink Wood YouTube video . He says that if an earthquake occurs, “whatever happens to the building, it’ll flip back into position,” as if it were on a spring. Buildings can thus quickly return to their original use or be repurposed for post-disaster relief after a serious seismic event.

Low damage systems for wood designs are based upon those conceived for concrete ones. They use Pres-Lam, or prestressed laminated timber, along with other wooden materials to create beams, columns, and walls that are prefabricated. Tendons are run through hollow beams with some deviated. This creates a suspension bridge-like system within the beam that allows the building to flip back to its original state.

The first building constructed using low damage wooden design was a three story arts and media building in a polytechnic in Nelson, New Zealand (pictured at the top of this page). More and more such buildings are popping up in New Zealand, including university buildings, office buildings, and even a community center, all ranging from one to four stories. Buchman explained that some of the structures are hybrid buildings, meaning they’re created from a combination of wood, concrete, and steel.

In terms of utilizing wood versus concrete and steel, the Journal of Commerce notes, “Wood construction means rapid rebuilding and relatively easy improvisation if changes need to be made mid-construction.” Using wood is not only quick though; it’s also sustainable, renewable, and economical, making it a highly attractive option. However, many stakeholders involved in the building process continue to believe using wood in low damage buildings is a risk. At the International Wood Symposium in early 2014, Buchanan discussed ways to overcome this, including completing further research and spreading this knowledge to experts in the construction field.

With the combination of materials and novel construction methods promoted by Buchanan and his colleagues, it appears that wood is becoming a game changer when it comes to architecture. The future of low damage building will be a sustainable one, and we’re excited to see it grow.

To learn more about other types of wooden buildings, specifically wooden skyscrapers, and the benefits they offer to both the building industry and the environment, please see our past post, A Look at Wooden Skyscrapers .

The Rise of Makerspaces

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 21:26:00 GMT

In recent years, the D.I.Y. (do it yourself) movement has been skyrocketing. Along with this boom, there has been an increase in the number of outlets for business-minded creative makers. These include Etsy , an online marketplace for artisan craftsmen, and Maker Faires , which showcase makers in the science, engineering, art, performance. Therefore, it’s no surprise that more and more people are discovering and joining the maker movement.

In addition to the variety of avenues makers have at their disposal for selling their work, the tools required to create, no matter what the specialty, have generally become more easily accessible, especially thanks to makerspaces or hackerspaces. Makerspaces are shared areas that offer resources for people to work on projects that might be insurmountable otherwise due to lack of space or tools. But the truly exceptional aspect of these spaces is that they allow for a community of makers to develop and share their knowledge with one another. It is the cooperative atmosphere that creates studios that are not only a space to make, but also a space to learn and hone your skills.

Pumping One: Station (PS1), a hackerspace in Chicago, offers this exact environment. This volunteer-run non-profit was founded six years ago. As PS1 explains on their website, they “are a collaborative environment for people to explore the intersections between technology, art and culture.” They have over 400 members, including carpenters, web developers, musicians, cyclists, tailors and seamstresses, beer brewers, and more. PS1’s 6500 square foot space, which will soon expand to 11,000 square feet, is filled with tools that have the ability to support the wide variety of work in which the members partake.

We contacted Ray Doeksen, who’s in charge of public relations for PS1, to find out more about them. He explained that the space is member-driven, with members voting to determine the direction of the space. “Full members can propose votes or vote on proposals.” For instance, Ray noted, “We will be adding a jewelry (specialized jewelry type tools) capability that we didn’t have before, based on a recent vote to fund that.” Classes are also offered on occasion, though PS1 primarily holds authorizations, where volunteers show someone how to be responsible and safe with a tool, rather than classes.

If you’re interested in learning more about PS1 or becoming a member, check out their website , Facebook page, or Instagram photos .

Makerspaces have also been popping up at schools and universities across the country, including M.I.T, Rutgers University, and Santa Clara University. A recent article in the New York Times states, “Taking things apart and putting them together — skills children used to absorb in Dad’s or Mom’s workshop — has an important role to play in learning, according to Karen Cator, the chief executive of Digital Promise, a nonprofit organization created by Congress that focuses on the use of technology to improve education.” Throughout this process, you expand your creativity and develop design-oriented thinking. As you create, you learn how to persevere if unsuccessful and how to try again.

Like the makerspaces present in the community, the makerspacers at schools also foster self-directed learning and collaboration. An article from Educause , a nonprofit that uses information technology to improve higher education, explains, “Where these spaces are open to use by faculty, students, and staff from a cross-section of content areas, they promote multidisciplinary thinking and learning, enriching the projects that are built there and the value of the makerspace as an educational venue.” One day, makerspaces at different schools may be connected, allowing students on different campuses to work on projects together.

With over 2,000 makerspaces around the world, and more and more frequently forming, the maker movement doesn’t look as if it will be slowing down any time soon. To join in the movement and find a makerspace or hackerspace near you, visit here or here . And to buy some of the gorgeous work from our master makers, click here .

Update on the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 16:33:00 GMT

We’re proud to announce that the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry , EYFP, has reopened! We previously posted about EYFP last Thanksgiving when construction was still underway on their new space. In case you missed that post or need a refresher on EYFP, the food pantry does incredible work serving over 400 families in need per month. EYFP began in 1983 and provides for the community of Elmhurst, IL, along with the surrounding towns of Lombard, Berkeley, Hillside, Bensenville, Addison, Villa Park, and Oak Brook. The pantry’s former space was a cramped, 700 square foot area that lacked appropriate storage for food and even a waiting area for clients. However, their new building is a full 2,500 square feet and includes plenty of space for food, as well as a warm, inviting waiting room. Featuring our walnut paneling and butcher block tables and countertops, the waiting room offers privacy and comfort to clients because they can wait inside, out of the cold. The space is also ADA accessible and energy efficient, minimizing operating costs.

Construction lasted five months and was made possible thanks to almost two years of campaigning and fundraising. EYFP ended up raising over $900,000. From December 21 of last year, the day construction was complete, through December 30, 30 volunteers assisted with getting the new pantry ready for opening. The volunteers cleaned, assembled shelves, and stocked them with food, including a 6,000 pound delivery from the Northern Illinois Food Bank. The focus was on being able to open for clients as soon as possible. A grand opening event is planned for March 8, and although details are still being discussed, the EYFP board is looking to involve local restaurants.

The pantry opened earlier this month on January 2. The number of visiting families during their first two weeks has already increased 25% as compared to the same two-week period last year. During each of the four shifts per week the pantry accepts clients, approximately 25-30 families visit. Because this number is only expected to grow, EYFP is fortunate to now have the capacity to accommodate all those in need.

To learn more about EYFP and their new building or for information on how to donate, please visit their website .

Client Feature: Zoomba Group

Thu, 07 Jan 2016 23:03:00 GMT

If you’re in the market for the latest information in the commercial foodservice industry, Zoomba Group knows how to keep you updated. Zoomba Group is a premier original content creation company located in Elmhurst, IL. By employing print and online materials, as well as social media, they are able to educate their readers across a variety of platforms.

As Zoomba Group explains, “ restaurant development + design is a user-driven resource for restaurant professionals charged with building new locations and remodeling existing units. The magazine helps facilitate a conversation and exchange of ideas among restaurant development executives at the corporate and franchisee levels, design consultants, construction providers and other integral players in the building and renovation process.” restaurant development + design allows these professionals to come together to educate one another, create lasting solutions for challenges in their work, and implement these new ideas and trends.

The magazine includes interviews with top design and development professionals, restaurant profiles and design trends, as well as product guides broken up by types of furnishings, building materials, and decor. Their website also features free newsletters and webcasts that can be viewed on demand.

restaurant development + design and Foodservice Equipment & Supplies , Zoomba Group’s other magazine, have been rightfully recognized with many editorial awards. Their outstanding team is run by the president and founder of Zoomba Group, Maureen Slocum, and also includes Joe Carbonara, their editorial director.

With their high-quality expertise they provide across all of their publications, Zoomba Group certainly has proven that they are the choice for business news.

For more information, please visit Zoomba Group’s website . To sign up for restaurant development + design ’s newsletter, please click here .

Wooden Design’s Link to Human Health

Wed, 16 Dec 2015 20:32:00 GMT

The positive effect nature can have on human health is well documented. Spending time outdoors can help fight disease by lowering blood pressure, boosting our immune systems, and improving our moods. It can also lower heart rate and aggression. According to a study at University of Michigan being exposed to nature can even improve brain health and the ability to focus. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has found that the average American spends 93% of his or her life indoors. Since being outdoors unfortunately isn’t always an option, bringing nature inside is a good alternative. Indoor plants have been shown to have a similar stress-reducing impact on humans. Would indoor wooden surfaces also provide the same health benefits as spending time in nature? A recent study at the University of British Columbia sought to answer this exact question, and it may change the way we create the built environment.

The study explored the relationship between wood and human health by measuring and comparing the activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in test subjects. The SNS manages physiological stress (fight or flight) responses. When faced with a stressful situation, SNS activation occurs, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. It allows the body to focus on the immediate threat by shutting down the ability to digest, recover, and repair. As the study’s findings state, “When the body spends prolonged periods in an SNS activated state, health suffers both physiologically and psychologically.”

In the experiment, the subjects were placed in office environments with and without visual wood surfaces. They were then given a math test. The findings reveal that before, during, and after the test, the subjects in the rooms containing wood had lower SNS activation. Therefore, the findings conclude, “The application of wood visual surfaces indoors is one way to reduce stress and promote health in building occupants.”

Due to the psychological and physiological benefits of bringing nature inside, it is becoming an integral part of interior design. The article Impacts of Buildings on Human Health notes that along with the greater introduction of natural light and views of the great outdoors, “The growing knowledge of the health benefits of building with visual wood surfaces is being incorporated into healthcare environments to support patient recovery, school environments to support student learning, and offices to support employee health.”

The use of wood in design also contributes to human health because it helps keep the air clean. Wood is hypoallergenic, generating few, if any, toxic vapors and doesn’t create any dust once installed. It’s also easy to clean to prevent particles from building up, unlike carpet and other soft surfaces. Wood plays a part in controlling humidity levels, as well. When humidity levels are high, wood absorbs moisture from the air, and when humidity levels are low, wood releases moisture back into the air.

Along with the environmental benefits of building with wood, which lowers our carbon footprint compared to using other building materials, we were excited to learn that choosing wood can improve our own health, along with the health of the world. We’re eager to see more applications of wood and natural elements in the built environment. As Buccinni stated, “Let’s try to incorporate wood where we can because I think the benefits are known by the architects as well as us.” We have to, wholeheartedly, agree.

Client Feature: Nando’s

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 02:30:00 GMT

Although Chicagoans have only very recently been able to sample Nando’s famous PERi-PERi chicken in their hometown, the global, fast-casual restaurant has actually been around since 1987. Their first location opened in Johannesburg, South Africa, but Nando’s now has over 1,000 restaurants, bringing its unique, Afro-Portuguese dining experience and purposeful business design to over 30 different countries.

Fernando Duarte and Robbie Brozin founded Nando’s after the two sampled and fell in love with PERi-PERi marinated and basted chicken at Chickenland, a former Portuguese restaurant in Rosettenville, Johannesburg. As their website says, “The rest…is history.” The two ended up buying the restaurant, changing the name, and even began to reinvent the way the world saw fast food. As Brozin states in the University of the Witwatersrand’s article, Playing chicken: Nandoâs founder, Robbie Brozin , “Fast food, when we started, was seen as greasy, grotty. Our chicken was peri-peri and grilled – so it was healthier, and had an ethnicity, a heritage to it.” That heritage is centuries old, linked to Portuguese sailors journeying to discover the legendary spice route. What they found was the African bird’s eye chili, or PERi-PERi, a spice that can only be grown in South African soil. They infused the spice with Portuguese cuisine, creating the mouth-watering flavors that you find at Nando’s today.

Along with the delicious food, you can also find remarkable people behind the Nando’s name. Brozin stated, “Nando’s is nothing without great people. It’s about pride, passion, courage, integrity and family, and most importantly the people who make the chicken.” From their friendly service to their hysterical ads , to the fact that they’re rated one of the best companies to work for globally, Nando’s understands how to create an atmosphere that is inviting for the hungry restaurant-goers, as well as for the employees.

Nando’s has also teamed up with South African explorer and philanthropist Kingsley Holgate for Goodbye Malaria , a campaign that supports the effort to eliminate this disease, which is the largest killer in Africa. On an episode of the podcast 567 Capetalk-The World at Six, Brozin discussed how Nando’s has been heavily involved with the campaign for the past three years. So far, Goodbye Malaria has protected 180,000 people. To learn more about their work and how you can contribute, please visit their website .

We are thrilled to have some of our own work, our reclaimed tables that is, in Nando’s Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia; Nando’s Naval Yards in Washington D.C.; and Nando’s Tenleytown also in Washington D.C. You will soon be able to find us in the Chicago area, as well, when their Naperville, IL location opens.

“Whatever we do, it has a sense of purpose,” Brozin noted. As their PERi-PERi chicken finds itself in more and more cities throughout the world, we can be sure that Nando’s already impressive support for their customers, employees, and the community will find itself growing, as well.

Community Bands Together to Support Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry

Wed, 18 Nov 2015 19:33:00 GMT

With Thanksgiving right around the corner and thoughts of giving and altruism in the air, we would like to share about the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry . The EYFP provides for their community year-round, and now, their community has banded together to provide for them.

The EYFP began in 1983 as part of the Yorkfield Presbyterian Church, functioning literally out of a closet. In 1998, the EYFP departed from the closet and moved to the basement of a cottage on the church’s campus. The food pantry became an independent 501c3 community organization in 2012. Currently, they’re open four days per week and are run by volunteer staff. The pantry distributes 250,000 pounds of food per year to those in need in Elmhurst, as well as the surrounding towns of Lombard, Berkeley, Hillside, Bensenville, Addison, Villa Park, and Oak Brook. Of the nearly 400 families and individuals per month who use their services, some are temporary, though others live in chronic poverty or are elderly attempting to live off of modest fixed income.

The pantry uses the “client choice” model, which allows families and individuals to pick what food they receive. Designed like a small grocery store, the EYFP allow clients to enter and choose options from frozen meats, dairy products, produce, non-perishables, and breads. This model accommodates both taste preferences and cultural requirements when it comes to food.

Although the EYFP was much more functional in the cottage than when it was headquartered in the closet, they still faced many issues. The small, 700 square foot pantry was gaining greater access to food than in the past, but they had no storage to support this increase. There was also no waiting room for clients, so they were forced to wait outside, which didn’t provide any privacy or dignity, especially in inclement weather. Furthermore, the pantry wasn’t ADA accessible and, being in the basement of a house, the space was hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Combined with the growing needs of families in the area, the EYFP Board knew it was time for an expansion.

Three and a half years ago, the Board approached Jim Ruprecht, one of Reclaimed Table’s partners and our design director, about designing a garage for the then-existing food pantry. After discussing the pantry’s needs, including the growing volume of people they could potentially be serving, they collectively realized that the pantry would need more than a garage to better benefit their clients. Jim explained, “Our three goals were to provide client dignity, be highly efficient, and be a good neighbor to the community around us.” Over the next two years, after developing a business plan, performing needs analysis, and visiting other food pantries to see how they managed their operations, Jim and the Board came up with designs for a new food pantry at the existing site.

The upgraded facility unfortunately comes with a steep price tag of $875,000 to cover construction costs and immediate supply needs. However, the surrounding community took charge, and so far, over $800,000 in cash has been raised. This money was donated thanks to charity walks and generous local businesses and organizations, including John Sakash and Company , 100+ Women Who Care—Elmhurst Area , and The Snuggery . Money was also raised through challenge matching grants from Thing 123 Foundation and the Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, as well as other fundraisers managed by students at Fenwick High School. Many “gifts in kind” were also received from individual donors and community organizations. These included a full set of windows, valued at around $10,000, as well as doors, landscaping, tile, and plumbing. Reclaimed Table is proud to have been able to donate walnut wall paneling for the waiting room and butcher block table tops and counters for the client check-in and checkout areas.

Besides money and materials donations, people are also donating their time. Jim, who has taken on the role of lead architect for this project, is doing all of his work pro-bono through Daedalus Development , a Chicago-based architecture and design firm. Daedalus also donated all of the engineering and permit fees required for the project.

There are 100,000 people in DuPage County who are food insecure. Jim noted, “The number of client families visiting grew from 80 to almost 400 in the last 3½ years and shows no sign of slowing down.” With that in mind, we honor the inspiring work the people and businesses of Elmhurst and the surrounding communities have accomplished in order to finally have a space that will be able to benefit all those in need.

To learn more about the EYFP, including how you can donate or get involved, please visit the website here .

Client Feature: LYFE Kitchen

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 21:13:00 GMT

While much of Reclaimed Table’s focus on sustainability relates to building materials, there’s more to going green than that. Today, people are conscious not only of the chemicals in our environment, but also in our food. They’re demanding all-natural food, free of antibiotics and sourced from free-range animals. Restaurants, from small, farm-to-table establishments to larger fast food restaurants, are taking heed as they race to create cleaner, chemical-free menus. Those that began this practice early on have been able to develop strong relationships with organic suppliers and, more importantly, with consumers hungry for organic food.

One restaurant company has had sustainability in its DNA from the beginning. LYFE Kitchen , whose name appropriately stands for “Love Your Food Everyday,” serves up delicious, healthy food in a revolutionary way. This fast-casual restaurant was co-founded in 2011 by Chance Carlisle of the Carlisle Company and Mike Roberts, the former president and CEO of McDonald’s, who championed their sustainability team. They envisioned that LYFE would utilize the McDonald’s concept of fast food, but took it further by ensuring that the food was also local, healthy, and sustainable. In an article from WIRED , Roberts says, “I’m dreaming of a place where science, medicine, producers, farmers, and restaurateurs meet to say we are on a journey together.”

Furthermore, according to the same WIRED article, LYFE Kitchen strives to “transform the way the world produces organic ingredients, doing for responsibly grown meat and veggies what McDonald’s did for factory-farmed beef.” The road to accomplishing this goal is obviously a long one, but LYFE is already off to a great start.

LYFE Kitchen also offers a wide selection of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options to satisfy any dietary restrictions. All of the delectable items are less than 600 calories and made without butter, cream, MSG, trans fats, high-fructose corn syrup, or preservatives. Whether it’s fish tacos, a quinoa crunch bowl, or margarita flatbread, everyone in your party is sure to find something they’ll enjoy.

With 18 current locations across the country and four in the Chicago area, the ever-expanding LYFE Kitchen appears as if it is in great position to grow. Creating this organic food model on the outset has been helpful in jumpstarting their growth. According to this Crain’s Chicago Business article , many fast food chains that want to get a “clean-label” for their food will have to wait until domestic suppliers have the capacity to provide the type of clean food consumers are demanding. Larger chains cannot find enough antibiotic free meat in the U.S. and often have to look overseas. It will take years for some to create a menu that’s made with completely clean, all-natural food.

Though LYFE’s mission to transform sustainability in the restaurant industry may seem like a tall order, its accomplishments thus far, along with its motto, “Eat good. Do good. Feel good,” give us the feeling that their success will greatly surpass “good.”

GWTP Woodworking Training Program Offers Residents and Businesses Support

Wed, 21 Oct 2015 20:21:00 GMT

In 1993, Chicago’s Greater West Town Community Development Project (GWTP) , an organization focused on improving the educational and economic opportunities for the disadvantaged residents of West Town, started a vocational program with one keen goal in mind: to provide these residents with hands-on job training that would simultaneously support local businesses. And so began The Woodworking Training Program , which has, rightfully so, become a recognized model for community-business partnerships.

Program Coordinator, Doug Rappe, has been with The Woodworking Training Program since it was founded. He noted that the program was GWTP’s first venture into skills training. Unfortunately, the woodworking industry often gets overlooked as a viable source of employment. “People still make stuff locally,” he said, “and it’s important to make sure others are aware that these jobs exist.”

As Rappe explained, before starting the program, GWTP “did a survey of local employers and manufacturers to identify what skills individuals would need.” What they developed was a 15-week, full-time, fast track training program. Throughout the program’s 450 hours, participants learn a wide range of skills, including how to build cabinets and furniture, operate machinery and tools, read blueprints, and fabricate solid surfaces. Once completed, they earn a Woodwork Career Alliance Certification and are offered job placement assistance through GWTP. Graduates of the program can then start building careers through a variety of stable, entry-level jobs. In return, the local manufacturing businesses obtain a talented workforce, allowing them to remain competitive and thrive, while remaining in the area.

Since its inception, the program has graduated more than 774 trainees, including Empowerment Zone residents, long-term welfare recipients, ex-offenders, and women pursuing non-traditional careers. The program also provides 100% financial aid for those who qualify. In recent years, it has taken around one month or more to place graduates, but all of the students in the current class have already secured employment prior to graduation. “This is a sign of the economy improving,” Rappe noted. “Placed in furniture manufacturers, closet systems [manufacturers], picture frame companies, you name it, our students are going to work.”

If you would like to get involved with this inspiring program, they are always looking for equipment and materials donations. You can also join their advisory board, host a tour of a woodworking operation, or be a guest speaker. For more information check out their website here . To learn more about GWTP, click here .

Client Feature: Rich Labriola

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 19:19:00 GMT

Since 1993, when Rich Labriola started Labriola Baking Company , his name has been synonymous with unparalleled artisan bread. At a young age, Labriola was drawn to this hearty food. Determined to create the highest quality bread around, he worked with masters in Germany, Italy, and France, eventually perfecting his recipes with his own aged flours, starters, and special ovens. His breads, including baguettes, ciabatta, and his renowned pretzel bread, can now be found in over 700 restaurants and shops.

Labriola opened Labriola Bakery and Cafe in 2008. This counter-service restaurant in Oak Brook, Illinois, features items including salads, burgers, pastas, and Neapolitan-style pizzas created from dough that is freshly made on a daily basis.

In 2013, after success with the Bakery and Cafe, Labriola sold a majority stake in his Labriola Baking Company in order to expand his restaurant business. Apparently, once a restaurateur, always a restaurateur, and looking at his new ventures, we sure are glad he felt this way.

Labriola Ristorante and Cafe opened on the Magnificent Mile at the beginning of this year. With 300 seats, it’s an expanded version of Labriola’s original Oakbrook eatery, featuring a larger menu of traditional Italian fare. Inside you’ll find a bakery and cafe, along with a bar and formal dining area.

His most recent endeavor is Pizza Barra , an artisan pizza place. Pizza Barra explores a new world in the art of pizza making with its ciabatta-style pies. He teamed up with Chef Chris Macchia to also include Chicago deep dish and thin crust pizzas on their menu. With seasonal toppings, as well as options for salads, pastas, and other entrees, this Oakbrook restaurant will more than satisfy every one of us.

At Reclaimed Table, we’ve had the opportunity to work with Labriola on several of his restaurants, including Stan’s Donuts (Wicker Park location), Labriola Ristorante and Cafe, and Pizza Barra (featured in the image at the top of the page). We have to reveal that his upstanding authenticity doesn’t stop at his food.

What’s next for Rich Labriola? We’re thrilled to say that he and Macchia have plans to open a second Pizza Barra downtown in 2016 (and it looks like the new location will be an easy commute from our office!).

Have you ever dined at one of Labriola’s restaurants? Have a dish or doughnut you always find yourself craving? Let us know in the comments below!

Sun-Grown Buildings: A Look at Wooden Skyscrapers

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 21:35:00 GMT

Over 100 years ago, the method of constructing buildings shifted dramatically when the first skyscraper, Chicago’s Home Insurance Building , was built. At that time, the idea of a ten story building was unthinkable. When it was completed in 1885, many gave it a wide berth, fearing a collapse. However, with its revolutionary steel frame, the Home Insurance Building remained standing tall and paved the way for an entire generation of skyscrapers throughout the world.

Today, we are once again at the threshold of a dramatic shift in architecture design with the introduction of skyscrapers created from what happens to be our preferred building material, wood. While thousands of steel and concrete structures have proven that these two building materials are more than viable, they also have huge carbon footprints. A large amount of energy is necessary to produce these materials. Steel accounts for approximately three percent of our greenhouse gas emissions, while concrete accounts for six to eight percent. According to architect Michael Green in his TED Talk Why We Should Build Wooden Skyscrapers , “Almost half of our greenhouse gases are related to the building industry, and if we look at energy, it’s the same story.” As he goes on to explain, if we want to reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, wood is the solution.

Throughout a tree’s life, it absorbs CO2 from the environment, storing the carbon within its wood, leaves, roots, and nearby soil. When a tree dies, it decays and slowly releases the carbon back into the atmosphere or ground. If there’s a forest fire, the carbon is also released back into the atmosphere. However, when a tree is harvested for manufacturing, much of this carbon remains stored. Therefore, using wood in the construction of a building, keeps carbon out of the atmosphere.

Wood also requires less energy in its manufacturing process than other building materials, and instead of fossil fuels, much of the energy used is from renewable biomass. Consequently, this is another instance where choosing wood over other building materials reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

As Green stated, “There is no other building material that is grown by the sun. We’ve calculated that the North American forests grow enough wood for a 20-story wood building every 8-10 minutes.” His firm, MGA Architects, estimates that a 20-story wooden building compared with one made of steel and concrete has the same impact on lowering our carbon footprint as taking 900 cars off the road for a year.

However, the structural fears associated with the original skyscrapers come back into mind with these new, timber versions. Are wooden skyscrapers as sturdy as their steel counterparts? Green understands that we need to reinvent wood, “making it stronger, more fire safe, more durable and selecting material from sustainably managed forests.” But this work has already begun. New, stronger engineered wood is being developed. Engineered wood consists of smaller pieces of wood glued together to create large sheets that can be used for building. These new wood products, known as mass timber panels, can reach dimensions of 8 feet by 64 feet and measure over 15 inches thick. Builders can cut them to the exact sizes needed before arriving at the construction site and then simply screw them into place. With this ease of construction, building with wood is not only green and sturdy, but also quicker than using conventional materials. Green jokes, “Someday I’d like to make a building where all you need is a giant allen key to put it together.”

There are also concerns over wood’s flammability, but Green states that cross-laminated lumber, a type of mass timber panel, is just as fire-resistant as other building materials. Testing is continually being performed.

Other timber skyscrapers that have been constructed include Melbourne’s ten-story Forté Apartments and the nine-story Stadthaus in the UK. Stockholm, Vancouver, and Vienna have plans for towers over 30 stories, while MGA proposed a 35-story skyscraper in Paris.

A conceptual design for a 42-story combined wooden and concrete building in Chicago has been created, as well. Although not likely to come to fruition any time soon, this building would emit 60-75% less carbon compared with an equivalent building made of only concrete. Also, the hybrid system could be made as tall as desired.

“Just like snowflakes,” Green says, “no two pieces of wood can ever be the same anywhere on Earth. That’s a wonderful thing. I like to think that wood gives Mother Nature fingerprints in our buildings.” Like Green, we can’t wait to see how high Mother Nature’s fingerprints will reach, and it looks like the sky will soon be the limit.

References not linked within article:
http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/25/tech/wooden-skyscrapers-plyscraper/
http://www.woodworks.org/why-wood/carbon-footprint/

Client Feature: Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 21:13:00 GMT

Welcome to our Client Feature Series! Throughout this series, we will highlight our incredible clients with whom we’ve had the privilege of working, from restaurants to universities, and from corporate to hospitality.

If you look deep inside Lettuce Entertain You and the restaurant scene both inside and outside Chicago, you will find chefs, caterers, bartenders, mixologists, wait staff, DJs, architects, tradesmen, businessmen and women, and more who got their start during the 40 year history of this dynamic company.

Our start came when Mark Tormey, who was an early Lettuce partner overseeing the second Maggiano’s restaurant, asked Frank, “Do you have a saw?” to which Frank replied, “I have two.” Thus began the odyssey which led to restaurant repairs in the middle of the night, to managing the nationwide expansion of Maggiano’s, and to founding our own company, Construction Solutions, Inc. With Construction Solutions, Inc., Frank worked closely with the Lettuce team to create millwork packages for Hub 51, Paris Club, and Bub City, restaurants that generate a frenzied atmosphere late at night in River North.

Here are some more interesting facts both about Lettuce Entertain You and our relationship with them:

Founders: Richard Melman and Jerry A. Orzoff, 1971

First Establishment: R.J. Grunts, Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL

Today’s Stats: Over 100 restaurants nation-wide and growing, consisting of a range of cuisine, from up-scale dining to quick-service

Reclaimed Table Employee Top Picks: Beatrix for some delectable pastries made in-house, RPM Italian for a chic date night, and Bub City for some excellent BBQ and live country music.

We have been honored to participate in several other successful projects with this restaurant group. Stop by these restaurants for a crave-worthy meal and to see our work in action:

Maggiano’s Little Italy (Schaumburg)

Nacional 27

Osteria Via Stato

Paris Club Bistro & Bar

Are you a recipient of the Lettuce college of entrepreneurials? If so, share your story of your humble start and where it led you.

Reviving the Redwoods of the East: American Chestnut Trees

Thu, 09 Jul 2015 18:40:00 GMT

Welcome to Reclaimed Table’s brand new website and our inaugural blog post! It’s Lori, here, the social media and marketing intern, looking to share some tidbits about what we know best: furniture, design, and sustainability. We also want you to see who we are behind the sawdust masks and staining sprayers. From craftsmen, to welders, to architects, to marketers, we have a lot to share and are eager for you to join us.

We’d like to use this first post to take the opportunity to pay homage to the one and only source for our wood, trees, of course, and one tree species in particular that’s about to make a comeback.

One species of tree, the American chestnut, did just that. Reliable, late-blooming trees, American Chestnuts provided ten times the number of chestnuts as oaks did acorns, offering pools of chestnut feasts for both wild animals, as well as farmers’ livestock. People were also members of the chestnut bandwagon, incorporating the nuts into their meals. Furthermore, the chestnut lumber industry was strong, due to chestnut wood’s lightweight, rot-resistant nature, which makes it easy to work with.

The trees sprawled over 200 million acres of forests, growing from Maine to Mississippi. They were the redwoods of the East, with the largest chestnut tree ever recorded measuring 27 feet across the stump.

If you happen to have ever hiked in the Appalachian mountains or elsewhere along the East Coast of the United States, you may be asking yourself, “Where were the American chestnut trees?” or, at the very least, “Where were the pools of chestnuts? I could have really used a snack.” I hate to be the bearer of bad news, especially when it concerns anything food-related, but sadly, when Asian chestnut trees were imported to the United States in the late 1800s, they brought with them a fungal disease. This fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica, lethally infected American chestnut trees, nearly eradicating them.

Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “Can we restore these trees and the ecosystem?” Or, perhaps less important, but still a viable consideration, “I just want to make some good, old-fashioned American chestnut bread. Am I out of luck?” Fortunately, it’s becoming pretty clear that the ingredients for your chestnut baking adventures will be homegrown once again. The American Chestnut Foundation, TACF, founded in 1983, is focused on developing a blight-resistant American chestnut tree. TACF created a backcross breeding program, in order for the American chestnut tree to gain the blight-resistance of the Chinese chestnut tree without losing any of its own characteristics. The first potentially blight-resistant chestnuts were harvested in 2005, and TACF is continuing testing.

TACF is confident that blight-resistant American chestnuts will be able to be reintroduced to their native forests and will soon flourish. Never fear, we can look forward to having some local chestnuts roasting on an open fire for many Christmases to come.

References:
http://www.acf.org/
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chestnut-forest-a-new-generation-of-american-chestnut-trees-may-redefine-americas-forests/