Salvaging Historic Building Materials for Job Creation and Environmental Benefit

A proposed ordinance would save derelict buildings from the wrecking ball, and send them to the salvage yard instead.

1 minute read

September 22, 2017, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Infill Development

Infill development on Brady Street in Milwaukee, designed to fit into the historic fabric of the neighborhood. | Jeramey Jannene / Flickr

Graham Kilmer reports on a proposed ordinance in Milwaukee "that would save historic materials from houses slated for demolition, and potentially expand the market for salvaged building materials."

"The ordinance would see homes built in or before 1929 deconstructed and their building materials salvaged in lieu of demolition," adds Kilmer.

Kilmer spoke with Alderman Robert Bauman, who makes the case for the ordinance on two lines of thinking: One, that salvage creates more jobs than demolition, and two, that salvage has less impact on the environment.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017 in Urban Milwaukee

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

September 21 - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

September 21 - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

September 21 - Grist