SAN DIEGO — It's the end of an era for a reclaimed vintage shop in Little Italy.
In this Zevely Zone, I say so long to the Queen of Reclaim. Architectural Salvage was a pioneer in San Diego's vintage and reclaimed interior scene for 28 years.
Founded by preservationist Elizabeth Scalice, the beloved store has been a treasure trove for adventurous homeowners searching for unique, reclaimed vintage pieces for homes, restaurants, and gardens.
The irony of this story is bittersweet. All of the old items in the shop have to go so their owner can start something new.
"You are looking at a little bit of everything," said Elizabeth. She opened the new shop in Little Italy in 1996 and filled it with the oldest, coolest stuff she could find. "Hardware is the best part," said Elizabeth.
She's got door plates dating back to the late 1800's by the thousands. "They are works of art, they are just so beautiful," she said. To walk through her store called Architectural Salvage it to take a journey back in time and it makes you wonder where she found all of the stuff.
"That is the most asked question in the store," said Elizabeth. The answer? Anywhere she could find it. "I have travelled all over the world, it's been incredible. I mean who gets to do that and I've been treasure hunting," she said. "These doors are from Egypt."
If you want to say goodbye, there's no need to buy her a card. Her customers are coming in to the store to sign old doors for her.
"The customers have been signing these doors for me which is so sweet," said Elizabeth. Last summer, she trained for an Ultra Swim Marathon. After completing it on her 65th birthday in England last August, she announced her retirement.
"This is life and we got to go for it," said Elizabeth.
A picture board in the store tells her story. "This is my dream job I've had so much fun," she said as she recalled one day when she took in a stray cat and named her Patina. "She was so skinny. She became our shop cat," said Elizabeth who give up on anything.
Customers, who became lifelong friends say it the best with what they wrote on the going away doors. "The neighborhood won't be the same without your fabulous store," read Elizabeth. "Best wishes. Thanks for being a great part of the community."
Elizabeth's store has attracted everyone from first-time homeowners to celebrities like Barbara Streisand and Bill Murray. "Thank you, San Diego, thank you so much," said Elizabeth.
Someone has purchased Elizabeth's entire inventory and hopes to open a similar shop in Barrio Logan.