Urban Remains

Was really excited to have found a piece on their website that would have been great on my porch. Unfortunately, this company took my payment and NEVER followed up. After nearly three weeks with no response to numerous emails and voicemails, I had to reverse the charges via AMEX. I hate giving bad reviews, but this one is deserved. EDIT review - since it's not possible to respond to Urban Remain's response.

To Urban Remains - the only email I ever received from you was the purchase confirmation. No others exist. Furthermore, I called and left my name and callback number on your voicemail, so even if you had the wrong email address (how could you since I received a receipt), you certainly could have called me to clear this up and you did not! My 1 star review is further reinforced by your reply.

The only thing I can say that was truly pleasant about my experience was the woman on the voicemail. her voice was happy, pleasant, and very professional. as for Any other experience, words cannot describe my disappointment in this company the lack of customer service and childish correspondence. I would have much rather deal with the woman with the voicemail, I think she would be able to run this company much better.

I ordered something that was no longer in the condition it was supposed to be in, my credit card was charged immediately, when I asked for a refund I was told that it was refunded to a PayPal account which I DO NOT HAVE. it was my credit card that was charged. I don't like or appreciate the runaround. if the shoe was on the other foot, and they were the customer I'm sure that they wouldn't want to be treated the way I was treated. was really hoping for a great experience, but that wasn't the case.

Agree with a lot of the people here talking about the staff and the confusion. I have a long story too but will just agree with the comments on inventory, pricing, etc. I have been going here for 5 years and think the stuff is great, and have purchased a number of items over the years; but the last experience I had might have soured me for good. Too bad. I left a vm for the owner, we'll see if they do anything.

Zero stars wasn't available but I would have given that rating actually. Should this place be in business? Not clear to me since I drove in from suburbs to visit and when I arrived during hours it was to be open (Friday at 2pm), the door was locked. No sign, no notice on phone nor on website about a special circumstance. I left a vm and waited around for about fifteen minutes.

While in the car waiting, I saw a young man come out, shake something out and go back in. I immediately went to the door and found it locked again. I saw movement through the side window the and saw lights on. I knocked and knocked to no avail. Still waiting for a return call 4 hours later. With two 6"x6" fireplace tiles going for $800 per the company website, I would think this place might emphasize a good customer experience. Silly me to think so. I was looking for fireplace tiles. Good thing there is another salvage place (Salvage One) literally one block over with exceptionally friendly service.

This place is awesome! It's really cool to browse around and see what you can find and a must visit if you are looking for one of a kind items for your house. Got these incredible tiles that we had set into our fireplace hearth. Check it out, you won't regret it!

Like everyone else on an antique search, I was looking for a cast iron fireplace surround. These are obviously expensive to ship, so when I saw one in Chicago (4.5 hr drive), I jumped on it. It wasn't a good deal, it was retail. In fact, it was priced much higher on Etsy than their own website. I had made a query on Etsy and got a pretty short, seemingly annoyed response.

I made the purchase on their website for list price which says "we will contact you for shipping or pickup." No one ever contacted me. I emailed them to state I would be picking up on the weekend from another city. No response. We went during their open hours but the place looked totally closed. Upon going inside, we saw no one at the front but walked into the warehouse section.

They looked totally puzzled to see me. I felt really out of place. I think the owner was there and didn't say hello or anything. He actually seemed kinda annoyed we were there. They did not know anyone was picking anything up. I wanted to look around while we were there but felt so awkward, like it was after hours or they were closed, so we just left.

They did mark the item I bought as "sold" on their site and took it off Etsy. So that's a plus. I love the Midwest architecture and purpose of these efforts. Further, it's a great item. The sales service just leaves a lot to be desired. I was excited to go to Chicago, excited to see the shop, and excited to get my piece. I was just kinda let down that I seemed to be an annoyance.

This place is very expensive when you can find a price tag. Employee did not even speak or look at us even though we were the only people there. Just go somewhere else and save some time.

I do not recommend this company at all. I purchased an item in April and never received it. Upon asking for a return, it took over a month to hear back from someone and they let me know "I would receive the payment in the future." It's September, I have not gotten any correspondence from emails I've recently sent or my initial payment. They have a nonexistent customer service team and *seemingly* will not help you if you're asking for a refund.

If you're looking to add a unique feature to your home during your next renovation project, you need to stop in here for ideas. Great way to spend some time in the city!

Help! Help! Made multiple orders over a month ago. Got crazy email that staff in disarray. Owner on paternity leave! ( I have an email from them with these admissions and an apology, .thanks, but no thanks). Do not buy anything from this place. Avoid at all cost. Ignore the great web site. A disaster. They have no idea what they have, nor what they have already sold, sometimes months ago, but the item is still listed for "sale".

Very cool items, wide variety. Give yourself some time to explore as there is a lot to see. Ask about items. most have an interesting story. Prices may seem too high (yes, some are). But, you have to understand the man hours to acquire, history/uniqueness of an item & the quality is fantastic. Plus, they say they negotiate. Kinda a Museum of Chicago, where you can actually buy the stuf. Admission is free!

His intention and heart are in the right place by saving the energy of the creative past, the great designs, in honor of those who lived their lives for such things, e.g. Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan.

Takes the heart out of historical buildings with desperate owners. This is like buying ivory. Cook building in elgin is trying to be saved. Offer the items back at least at what was paid out!

Fantastic business, love what you do! Preserving & remembering history, in one of the greatest cities in the world, is so essential especially in the world we live in today where nothing seems sacred anymore. Thank you for all you do!

When items are taken out of a building which is NOT being torn down, that is rape for profit and it is immoral. Building details and ornament is WAY more valuable to society's cultural heritage in an intact building.

Urgent emergency, urgently necessary. A public service to citizens of the city.