Cleveland's Revival starts with Deconstruction

Everyone who knows Apoc knows that we use raw, reclaimed materials. Not only are we saving natural materials that are less-commonly used in modern construction, but Cleveland's rich history is saved in each handcrafted piece of furniture. Rare, beautiful woods are recovered along with wood from old growth trees that provide strength and beauty to every thing we create.

How are these materials recovered? Apoc has it's own organized deconstruction crew that target sites out in the city of Cleveland, ready to help tear down expired homes that, if left standing, could potentially endanger citizens. Not only are they helping the city by giving man-power to clean up the area of urban blight, they're helping the environment by deconstructing and finding materials that can be used in the Apoc design shop to create custom furniture. Apoc reclaims these materials, turning waste into an asset.

The Apoc Deconstruction crew at Eddy Road

Some recent deconstruction projects have made it to the news in France in December 2011, highlighting specific East Cleveland locations, like Eddy Road. Nationally, Apoc has been recognized as a reviver of the rust belt by Jesse Ashlock in Details magazine. (watch Jesse Ashlock talk about the Rust Belt Renaissance here on MSNBC).

Tom Hennessy of the Apoc Deconstruction crew is made internationally famous

Cleveland is in a state of revival, progressing from the ground up. The only way we can get back to Cleveland roots and grow is to start with deconstruction. Reclaimed materials and Cleveland history take these custom furniture pieces beyond just 'eco-chic'.


-TB

And we're back!

Hello readers and Apoc lovers,

Have you ever wondered WHY reclaimed wood is so important? There are many out there who still aren't aware of the importance this rare, raw material serves to Cleveland. Actually, reclaimed wood is an untapped, invaluable source. Here at Apoc, we understand the value of reclaimed wood, and bring it to you locally with clean, timeless design.

Around the globe, deforestation is destroying a mind-boggling amount of habitats for millions of animals forcing them into endangerment and extinction. It's also ruining the quality of our environment on a global scale (I'm sure everyone reading has heard of global warming...). Almost a quarter of the trees cut down from deforestation are converted to lumber.

deforestation's effect on habitats in Indonesia.

At Apoc, we're doing our part to minimize the effects of logging on the global environment. By upcycling reclaimed wood from expired houses around the city of Cleveland, we eliminate the need for new wood, and new trees to be cut down. By using local reclaimed wood, we also eliminate the need for outsourced materials.

The deconstruction and reclaiming process brings us closer to our Cleveland roots. We appreciate the history behind every piece of wood that enters our design shop. Reclaimed wood has a character that no other wood does. Every piece of wood is unique, and every piece that is pulled out of an old home is a gem. With every piece of furniture made, the customer gets a glimpse at the history of the unique wood from which it was constructed.

Stone carvers pose on a pylon of the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge, later renamed the Hope Memorial Bridge, ca. 1931.
Photo courtesy of Case Western Reserve Archives.

So why local? Here at Apoc, we love our city. Cleveland is a place budding with new opportunities, with artists, innovators, and collaborators bringing new growth to an old city. We believe Cleveland is ready to move forward and think forward, and we're ready to march down that path.

Next time you're considering purchasing a new coffee table, or you're looking for some new dining chairs: Go reclaimed, go local. It's just one way you can do your part to save the environment and support local Cleveland businesses.

- TB