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	The Ypsilanti Courier A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Materials Unlimited knows no bounds

PUBLISHED: May 8, 2008

You don't hang around in the competitive business world without adding to inventory and changing with the times ñ even if you are best known for antiques.

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Materials Unlimited offers one of the Midwest's largest collections of architectural salvage, antique furniture and restored period lighting. Based in Ypsilanti, Materials Unlimited has been around for more than 30 years. And while the antiques have kept the unique and historic shop in business, the store is quickly gaining a reputation for offering a variety of other products, including stone garden accents.

Materials Unlimited evolved from a demolition company co-owned by founder Reynold Lowe. Trained in the fine arts, Reynold earned his MFA from the University of Michigan in sculpture and photography.

His artistic sensibilities include a passion for architectural details. His first salvage job was an old house in Ann Arbor slated for demolition. What began as a personal project quickly led to an entrepreneurial venture. And in 1972, Reynold joined forces with the demolition contractor and saved countless architectural treasures from the bulldozer.

The need for a retail outlet became evident and in 1974 Materials Unlimited was founded.

Reynold's treasures were originally housed in three pole barns on Morgan Road in the industrial outskirts of Ann Arbor. After a fire in 1979 ravaged the collection, Materials Unlimited re-opened in 1981. The "new" home is an historic Art Deco building in downtown Ypsilanti dating to 1926.

The showroom is comprised of three floors brimming with antiques, restored fireplace mantels, leaded glass doors, stained and beveled glass windows, salvaged hardware, and other architectural items.

The company's production department works five days a week restoring antique furniture and architectural appointments.

Materials Unlimited takes pride in having one of the nation's most impressive collections.

The 15,000 square-foot showroom is filled with one-of-a-kind items and new things arrive every day. Customers also can shop Materials Unlimited online where most of the items are photographed.

Just in time for Mother's Day, Materials Unlimited is offering 15 percent off its collection of antique and new items.

"We have just received a shipment of wonderful cast stone planters, animals, fountains, and benches sure to enhance any garden and fit into any budget," said Jolie Herington, director of marketing.

Materials Unlimited is located at 2 W. Michigan Avenue in Ypsilanti. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information call 1-734-483-6980 or shop online at www.materialsunlimited.com.