Orr-Reed does not fit the typical architectural salvage yard mold. We are a strange store located on a dead end street just south of downtown Dallas. It was originally founded in 1946 by Charles "Red" Orr who out to build a new business in post-war Dallas. Determined not to waste mustering-out pay from the Army, he partnered with his friend James Reed, who had a little money raised from selling a herd of goats, to open a new business. Together the two men formed Orr-Reed Wrecking in 1946 and continued to be business partners until 1987, when Mr. Reed died. Mr. Orr continued to operate the business but he was getting older and was ready to retire. John and Michelle Hargrove bought the business in 1993 and their eldest daughter Hannah with a lot of help from Michelle took over in 2013 after John’s death.
Today Orr-Reed continues to supply the public with treasures, such as antique lumber, architectural doors and mantels, hardwood flooring, wrought iron fencing, architectural elements of all types, and plenty of "good ol' junk." Orr-Reed is known to everyone from top designers to household handymen as the place to go for useful and interesting salvaged materials. We love our city and try our best to help preserve its history. From the beginning, the company's leaders recognized not only the profitability of saving Dallas' history, but also, more importantly, the social benefits of recycling and preserving the architectural heritage of Dallas.