For years, Kurt Petrauskas worked as a demolition contractor in charge of demolishing houses and buildings. While preparing for demolition, he’d walk through buildings and saw the beautiful architectural pieces, hardware, and lighting that were going in the landfill. He stripped these pieces from the homes and saved them for future projects. Over time, he stored these items and held small sales straight out of his garage. As these sales became more frequent, people called him looking for specific architectural items. In 1991, Earthwise was officially born.
In 1993, the first Earthwise “brick and mortar” location was a parking lot in Kenmore. Kurt built a shed, using it as a workshop and for housing his finds. Earthwise was at this location for 4 years and was open 7 days a week after hiring his first employee, an adjoining fence neighbor. In 1997, Kurt moved to 7th and Lander. Though a little rough around the edges, it was the first real building of Earthwise. In early 2002, Earthwise opened its location at 2462 First Ave. S known as the “Big Red Barn.” Lastly, Earthwise moved just a few blocks over to 3447 4th Ave S. in 2005, what we know as Earthwise today.
In 2012, Earthwise expanded to its second location in Tacoma. Kurt noticed many customers were traveling from the southern region to get materials for their homes. That, along with having too much inventory to know what to do with, the Tacoma store opened in July of 2012 at a vintage sawmill.
In 2018, Kurt bought a home on the coast. Spending a lot of time in Aberdeen, he realized the potential in salvage with many older homes in the area. Aberdeen is a hub in Grays Harbor County, and people are buying property in the region. In July of 2018, our Aberdeen location opened!
In June of 2023, we have now opened in Kenmore, Washington – near the original Earthwise location from over 30 years ago! Starting from selling things in Kurt’s garage, Earthwise has now grown into four locations offering a vast inventory of unique building materials and antiques. This marks a full-circle moment for the business, returning to where it began and continuing to serve the community with one-of-a-kind items.
“What was true back then is true today. We waste in society and dispose of things before they reach close to their full potential. After 10 years on my own, having retail staff support made it all possible, each joining the company with similar ideas and ethics. What we do is the main reason why all of us work here. Earthwise wouldn’t be here right now without the commonality of thought around reuse of materials. I am grateful for staff and customers that have made all of this possible.” – Kurt Petrauskas, Owner of Earthwise, 30 years and counting
Earthwise has an official new website! Feel free to click around, browse our inventory, and learn about our new offerings! If you have any questions or issues, please contact Sarah@ewsalvage.com
Architectural salvage is the process of removing materials from a building or home scheduled for demolition or remodeling. Salvaged materials are reinstalled into another space for reuse or for a completely new purpose. From old-growth wood flooring to antique lighting fixtures, we salvage high quality materials that stand the test of time.
Voting is open until June 28 We’ve been nominated for the Seattle Times Best in the PNW Awards! Find Earthwise in the Home & Garden section under Building Materials and Supplies. You can vote for us and all your other local favorites once a day until June 28. Follow this link and vote early and often! We appreciate your
If you’re a builder, architect, or homeowner in Seattle, you may have heard of the Seattle Salvage Assessment Form. During the process of renovation or demolition, this form is essential when you’re within Seattle’s city limits.