The Household Saint of Salvage

Mark Foster and crew deconstruct old buildings to salvage the worthwhile pieces that remain. In the meantime Mark trains and employs low-income citizens in carpentry and craftsmanship. He started Second Chance, his nonprofit corporation, in 1998, because he wanted to rescue wood, metal, marble, stone, plaster, and more and put back to work old-world craftsmanship. He also wanted to take a load off the landfill crisis.

Today home improvement shoppers can feast their eyes on a roomy claw-foot bathtub, a robin’s egg blue gas stove, and ornate antique ironwork, all in one block.

Second Chance is five well-stocked warehouses strong. Stop in Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thursday until 7 p.m. to browse everything from gorgeous stained glass and tin ceilings to iron-work, period doors, shutters, railings, spindles, tile, tubs, special sinks, furniture, appliances, mantels, and still more.

We caught up with Mark in the midst of his busy workday to talk about the uplifting business of deconstruction.

What are some recent stellar finds? The entire Philadelphia Civic Center deconstruction project yielded great pieces. We had a recent donation of a complete confessional from the Notre Dame College chapel in Baltimore, and a ribcage shower from a Baltimore mansion. When will you begin training your next round of skilled employees? A new class will begin in several weeks of seven new trainees. What is your favorite aspect of the business? Second Chance has been a great voyage of discovery of all the great things we can save, and all of the people to whom we can give a second chance. We are motivated daily to achieve more recognition for the options of salvage re-use and recycling.

Mark’s training/employment program will soon expand to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Both cities will offer retail locations in the near future.

1645 Warner St.
To donate pieces or to request a site appraisal for tax-deductible deconstruction e-mail: or phone (410) 385-1101

Bring History Home

Mark Foster Currently overseeing the construction or renovation of your own home?

Mark Foster suggests you visit Second Chance for standout items you’ll never find if you buy by the book. In the bargain, you’ll help the environment and probably save a few bucks in the process.

“All builders give you allowances for things. If you find a substitute, you save money,” Mark explains. “At Second Chance, you’ll get something that reflects history. How cool is that when you know where your mantel came from? We always try to secure history of the material we carry.”

You might select:

• A mantel: “A great mantel can be used around the fireplace, as a decorative piece or made into bookshelves.”

• Historical fencing: “Use it as a headboard or a decorative entrance to a garden. A newel post found at the bottom of the staircase can be split to make entryways that dress up a doorway. People have used them on a bed with a decorative piece between.”

• Ask Second Chance for advice: “We are an idea place as well,” Mark adds. “Our staff is well versed in what you may be looking for. We also have displays set up.”