Governor’s Architectural Salvage is Central Virginia’s destination for architectural salvage, reclaimed building materials, and custom ironwork. Founded in 1970, and located in Mechanicsville, just 5 miles from Richmond, VA, we offer one of the region’s largest selections of salvaged doors, mantels, windows, lighting, clawfoot tubs, and wrought iron fencing. Our on-site shop provides custom welding and antique iron fabrication for residential and commercial projects. Visit us to explore over two million unique pieces — Governor's is where craftsmanship, history, and sustainability meet.
Hours not specified
What clients say about Governor's Architectural Salvage in Mechanicsville (VA)
This place is AWESOME!!!! We picked up a bunch of lampshades today, and I couldn't believe the selection.
The employees were fantastic, and they had some amazingly beautiful pieces. Don't go in expecting Walmart prices, but I found their prices to be better than many other antique lighting/fixture stores I've shopped in before, and they thave truly beautiful fixtures. Definitely will be back and I would give them 6 stars if I could!!!
Covered a small portion of the 7-acre property and was completely blown away! I've never seen so many items - pick a category and they have tons. Loved how organized it all was. Everything was grouped together and easy to figure out. The indoor space is open Friday and Saturday from 9-5, but the owner was kind enough to let me in and help me find an architectural piece I came for. There are so many great inspirational pieces here. Can't wait to come back for my next project!
Such a great place! Super friendly staff and so many amazing things to look through. The lady at the front desk gave me a map and showed me how to navigate through the store and salvage yard. She was super inviting and helpful. Will definitely be back soon!
Terrific store for vintage and antique decor and salvage. They also have a fantastic selection of bespoke tables, lamps, chandeliers, storage pieces and more. Super friendly staff. Public restrooms. Plenty of parking. Today everything was 25% off (3/8/24).
Over 30 years ago we went to Governors and found a good match for our oak 5th leg for our oak dining room table. Honestly, even if you are not looking for a dang thing, it's worth visiting. Much more fun than a museum.
Moved back to the area about 2 years ago, and still just as wonderful as I remember. Figured out my lamp was not broken and took pity on. I hope they are around forever. I hope my grandkids find them when the need them
"Any way you want it, that's the way you need it...."
I walked in with an old chair that needed a screw. The woman that works there brought out two boxes of old screws and worked with me until we found ones that fit. And she was nice to my dog. I now have 2 fixed chairs thanks to her and Governor's!
Sprawling set of warehouses with a huge range of items from cast iron to lighting. We went to look for lights and were not disappointed. Stock is well-organized and staff and owners were very helpful. Lights were in good condition and priced fairly. Plus they have lots of replacement shades. If you're redoing an historic house and need lighting from the 1870s to the 1940s, this is a great place to shop.
I was very impressed with Governor's Architecture and Antiques on my first visit. Although I was only able to spend a little over an hour there, I was amazed by the extent and variety of items available there. The staff were quite helpful with all of my needs and questions, and when they weren't able to perform a service I needed, they immediately suggested someone who could. I look forward to visiting again when I have more time and can't wait to see what I'll discover next!
Today we had our first visit to Governor's Architectural Antiques, and it will not be our last. This place is amazing. Their inventory of lighting, lighting parts, plumbing fixtures, wrought iron, etc. is phenomenal and prices are in line with what we have come to expect of quality architectural items. Mary helped us plow through their vast inventory of newel posts and, thanks to owner Jeff, we got them at a fair price. It was a great experience and we will be back.
Just visited for the first time. Tons of unique architectural fines. Mary was extremely helpful she knows the place like the back of her hand. And Jeff made me a great deal. Just a kind of place I'm looking for as a building contractor. I'll be back.
I wanted to give this place the benefit of the doubt; everyone I talked to said that they were shady and will screw you over. I wanted to believe that wasn’t true. I bought what they said was a hot water cast iron radiator in good and useable condition. After carrying it with my dad (almost breaking our backs) into my house, I saw that it had cracked written on it and the crack in the cast iron was circled with a yellow marker. And then my contractor informed me that it wasn’t a hot water radiator, it was a steam one. So we carried back to the car and I called to return it to get reimbursed. So now I still need to get a radiator. On a positive note, I will say that the people who work here are very nice and knowledgeable. But one should never sell a item that is broken, that’s just wrong and shady. That’s not good business, so I will not be returning because what was told to me about this business came true. They are shady and will screw you just to make money.
Tons of selection but everything was priced way too high for the condition of the items. We spend a lot of time antiquing and salvaging and we were very disappointed by the pricing. Drove all the way from Norfolk and left empty handed. Prices are so high that it’s not even worth trying to negotiate because they’d need to come down such a significant amount. Wish we had read reviews prior to going. After about 20 minutes of walking around I hopped online to see if others felt similarly and I was not surprised to see many reviews with the same sentiment.
My experience with Governor's goes back to 1988... my interior design teachers would tell us how blessed we were to have a company like theirs virtually in our backyard, because designers & architects would come to them from up & down the East Coast. I have used them on multiple The Consulting Arts projects through the years--some for inspiration, and some that have gone on to fruition. 5 stars for quality, kindness of staff, beauty, uniqueness--and quantity.
Had a surprising let down when I visited this place. Very dirty and disorganized lay out. Dust covered items on the shelves. Very little furniture and very expensive. If you are looking for door knobs, light globes or handles, then this place may work for you. Did enjoy the statue out front.
I am an experienced shopper of salvage, going back over a 30 years.
I renovate old houses, and I like to use period fixtures and old glass.
However, the odds and ends, the unexpected finds are my personal favorite, and bring me back to Govenor's time and again.
Governer's is the best. It's like a timeless 6 acre museum .
First off, they have more than everything I have seen anywhere. If you fail to find what you are looking for, the owner Jeff, will offer to help you locate it elsewhere.
Secondly, the staff works as team with a great attitude. They work without complaint, even though the shopper may be picky and grumpy. They never give up before the shopper. This staff is dedicated to their customers and friendly and fun.
Am I right? Salvage shopping doesn't get any better than this. Go and see for yourself. Sincerely, Kathleen
Came for a door, left with that and much more. Mary was extremely helpful hunting through the large collection of doors, locks, and knobs with us. Her personalized customer service made a complicated process simple and enjoyable. Jeff was welcoming and gracious. He quickly fixed a cracked pane of glass on my door at no cost. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for architectural salvage and a great customer service experience.
We had a great experience this past Saturday at Governor’s Architectural Antiques. Jeff greeted us warmly and helped us find the perfect door for my daughter and son in law’s new home! Mary was amazing helping us to choose hardware that works and looks beautiful! They have so many wonderful treasures! Can’t wait to go back!
Staff is really friendly and helpful. They have a lot of great items to look at. That being said it feels more like a museum then a store, everything in the main room is under lock and key. A lot of the prices are outrageously high. Been here a few times and it is definitely worth taking a look but won’t become a regular stop.
This place boasts an incredible selection of product. The staff was friendly and the man at the counter gave us the “run down” and supplied us with a map to help navigate. Which was greatly appreciated. There were many pieces we enjoyed but as most reviews have stated, it is rather expensive in comparison to other antique dealers in Virginia. We will return but I fear we will leave with the same outcome; empty handed. It is worth the experience for sure but be prepared for the high prices.
Good heavens this was such a special place! I bought two door knobs and two plates for them. I tried to bargain but they ended up spending 30 minutes fitting the knobs with screws making them perfect and worth every penny they were asking. I live in DC and am already planning on returning.
I’ve been going there since the 70’s . Always my go to place for my treasures!! Great for my one of a kind special pieces. It’s an adventure you never know what you’ll find. They have also repurposed furniture pieces for me and restored an old enamel sink from the 30’s. Beautiful job! Fun staff to work with too!! Try it... A one of a kind great experience!
We drove two hours to shop here thinking they would have what we were looking for. Do not go in thinking you will get a honest or fair price. Nice things but WAY overpriced. Do not try to negotiate with them either. They would rather lose the sale than sell it for even 10 bucks less. Also, if you are interested in any of the iron fencing or railings.....you are required to buy the ENTIRE set, not just a piece or two. There is no sign indicating that you have to buy it all but you do and they will not negotiate there either. We will never go back nor recommend them to anyone
Staff is friendly. There are so many great items but I have to agree with most that they are over priced by 2 to 3 times more than what they should be. So many antique dealers around with better pricing. You can tell how long things have been sitting there due to the dust accumulated on them.
Wow, this hidden treasure of a shop has everything and then some. The largest collection of antique jewlery and the pieces are stunning! The staff was so friendly and accommodating. I took so may pictures I felt like I was in a museum! I will be back to make some major purchases!
Mar 10, 2017
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