As you know, it has been a challenging year for our organization. Like many nonprofits, we faced a critical financial position as a result of the difficult economic environment and loss of key funding sources. Unfortunately, these headwinds proved to be too great for us to continue to operate.
After 16 years, the Rebuilding Exchange has closed on October 17, 2025. We’re so grateful to the many employees, trainees, instructors, students, DIY-enthusiasts, customers, supporters, advocates and community members who made this organization a force for good across Chicagoland. Thank you for being a part of our mission to equip people for careers in trades, reduce construction waste and reuse materials.
While we cannot continue this work today, we believe it is critical to the future of our neighborhoods, the communities we serve in Evanston and Chicago, and the world. Since our founding, we’ve diverted 4.5 million pounds of donated materials from landfills, trained over 150 people for careers in the building trades, and helped thousands of Chicagoans learn how to care for their homes, build skills and use reclaimed materials for their projects. We’re proud of this work, and we are exploring what the future holds for us to make a difference in the future of our planet and workforce.
Being a nonprofit today is hard. It’s only getting harder. We need more people to roll up their sleeves, volunteer, donate, celebrate and advocate for the causes you care about. Choose today to take action and ensure that other organizations can continue to do good. Check out some of our partners who share our passion for sustainable reuse and workforce development.
We appreciate your 16 years of support. Please share your favorite memories, moments and finds in the comments.💚
Hi all! We apologize for the late notice, but the Evanston landlord is unwilling to allow the event on Sunday to move forward. Big thanks to all of you who showed up in Chicago on Saturday! It was a great day and we were excited to be able to see so many of you help us meet our mission one more time.
Reminder: One day, and one day only, come shop our Clear the Warehouse sale - 50% off everything at each of our retail stores. On Saturday, November 1, our Chicago store will be open from 10 am - 4 pm. On Sunday, November 2, our Evanston store will be open from 10 am - 4 pm. All items are 50% off, with fair offers accepted. The sale is cashless, and all sales are final. Please be prepared to load and take your purchases with you on the day of the sale. See you this weekend!
♻️ Reuse-a-Palooza returns! Join us and our friends at @insidetheplant on Sunday, October 19 (11AM–3PM) for a celebration of all things reuse, repair, and repurpose.
We’ll be collecting household items, tools, lighting, and hardware to give new life through reuse at Rebuilding Exchange — plus you can fix your stuff, swap costumes, recycle tricky items, and grab a slice from Raza’s Pizza.
It’s a one-stop shop for doing good and keeping materials out of the landfill!
📆Sunday, October 19
🕦11am to 3pm
📍 The Plant — 1400 W 46th St, Chicago
🔗Full details: insidetheplant.com/events/reuseapaloozafall2025
👀👀 Freshly priced and online! A mixture of brand new Rejuvenation wall sconces at SUPER affordable prices! Missing glass shades but that shouldn’t stop you from these deals!
Check out this super special JJ Kohn 1930s cafe style chair with leather upholstered seat! Ready for your home! We also have more bentwood style cafe chairs in stock and on the floor at affordable prices!
Did you know we sell XL Live edge lumber here at our Chicago location?! Harvested and sourced in the Great Lakes region in partnership with @re.volvs — these slabs are yearning for a maker or artist to work their magic! Current stock includes: ash, oak, maple, and elm.
Check out previews in our online store — or stop by Chicago and shop.
We cut the price on this HUGE marble tabletop with freestanding legs. This could be your next island! Or a photoshoot kitchen surface. Or whatever your imagination defines it as! 40”x84” — VERY HEAVY — $500! Shop online or in store!
Learn how to breathe new life into your wooden utensils, bowls & cutting boards! October 11 we’re hosting a workshop that features: HOW TO care for your wood kitchen utensils & more! Learn the tips and tricks in one 3-hour session at our Evanston location 10/11/25 for $95. ✨Link in bio!
After ➡️ Before! Look at our 🐷 👑 shine!
JUST IN: a variety of reclaimed beams — 4x4 and 6x6 in a variety of lengths! Your end of summer / start of fall project is calling! Pricing on our 4x4s is $2 per linear ft and 6x6 are $4.50 per linear ft. Note: must take full length, we do not cut beams.
📍Chicago location
