West End Architectural Salvage was one of the most unique stops we made in Des Moines. Even if you're not shopping for home décor, it's worth walking through just to see everything inside! The building is filled with architectural salvage, vintage furniture, antiques, reclaimed materials, artwork, and one-of-a-kind finds you won't see anywhere else. Grab a coffee or a drink at their bar before you walk around! Every room has something different, so it's easy to spend more time browsing than you planned. Whether you're decorating your home, hunting for vintage treasures, or just looking for something unique to do indoors, I'd definitely recommend adding West End Architectural Salvage to your Des Moines itinerary! read more

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This is an incredibly unique place and is well worth the stop. We were traveling from out of town and decided to pop in, and were so impressed. Floors and floors or quality antiques and interesting finds. Everything was thoughtfully placed and well kept - I didn't even see any dust on them. Employees were super sweet and they will ship the items for you! Coffee is good too, and there's ample space to sit and relax. read more

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Not only is the a great place to explore for its wonderful salvage and antiques, it's a wonderful spot to host an event. The staff is so accommodating and friendly. They have beverage service and allow you to wander and explore with your drink of choice. It's a super experience! read more

This place exudes coolness. You could find yourself spending hours checking out all the stuff they have inside to purchase that they or someone else rescued from the trash. So extremely beautiful prices plus they also build new pieces from some of the finds too. If you have been to this place it really is a must see place. They do have a small parking lot in the back for customers and there is quite a bit of metered street parking too. The owner is a hoot. He is helpful and a funny jokester too. read more

If you are a hoarder of antiques, west end architectural salvage is a place that has antiques galore for sale. I can see that the items that they sell are nostalgic for some. It is a cool place to see random antiques, but the prices of the items are way too expensive. I love that you can purchase drinks and take them all around while perusing the store, all 5 levels (4 above ground, 1 below ground). read more

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I was in Des Moines on a quick weekend trip and wandered into this amazing gem! There is a coffee shop in the first floor and so many stories to explore. read more

West End Architectural Salvage - Antiques Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We needed help finding a broken lamp part on one of my grandparents antique lamps, they have a variety that worked that were fairly priced, and good coffee and hot chocolate on the way out! read more

I have visited this store twice. First time was because my son wanted to see what it was about. We toured all four floors of very, very unique items. Everything was well organized and displayed. While there, we learned the stre is used for private functions. My second visit was the opportunity to see how private functions are presented. It was wonderful. Extremely well organized, the catered food was excellent, and the service was awesome. I love this store. I wish I owned a giant barn and house that needed decorated - I would by everything at West end. read more

Wow!!! what a gathering of misc stuff!! Great little coffee shop/wine bar! If you are in search of an item to match something you already own this is the place! If you're in the area it's a great place to spend several hours! It's a stroll through history! read more

The owner personally took me around to hunt for what I was looking for. Great guy. Great place. Cozy comfortable place to have a coffee and ponder where you're going to possibly find room for all the stuff you've bought. read more

First of make a plan to don't make a plan when visiting WEA. The multiple levels of unique finds made for lots of exploring. Without an item in mind I enjoyed seeing if something caught my eye. The staff was very helpful, especially after I found the perfect gift and was curious about them doing a little work on it to make it what I wanted. Also enjoyed the coffee bar and casual atmosphere that allowed me a chance to return some emails while I sipped my drink. read more

This was a really fun visit and I am glad we stopped in during our weekend trip to Des Moines. There are multiple floors or every vintage, antique, weird, fun, and everything in between here. There is even a coffee shop (we did not get anything though). We really loved walking through here and seeing some old things that we've never came across at any vintage/antique store. You can tell that the person collecting all of this has put a ton of time and effort into bringing all of it into this building. My only complaint was the pricing on everything. In my opinion, and based on numerous other similar stores we've been to, everything was very marked up. Now, I understand most of it is valid and really is worth that, but some items were kind of outrageous. Overall, West End is a super cool store to visit and worth it even if you just window shop. I am sure we will come back and see what new stuff is here when we visit Des Moines again. read more

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Four floors of antique furniture, signs, lights and much much more! Visited here on a Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed walking through the upper levels of the historic building to see different decor items. A lot of the items brought back memories and also made me feel nostalgic. Great finds if you're in for remodeling and finishing an older home back to original. Unfortunately, most of the items in the place are very expensive, and are much more than I'd be wanting to spend. It's a great place to spend a morning or afternoon, and don't forget to stop by the coffee shop for something to enjoy while you browse! read more

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This is a pretty cool place. I thought it would be like the picker knows, but this is more furniture and stuff to refurbish an old house or building. there is lots of great stuff. some weird stuff as well. The problem here are the prices, everything is priced really high. we were looking for an old door for our rental, we found one that would work and wasn't $200, but realized the top corner was cut off. They like they're stuff, but people must be willing to pay for it. The building itself is cool. there's a coffee shop and bar on the first floor. read more

West End Architectural Salvage - taco bell chairs, very uncomfortable. $650 - Antiques Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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A wonderful gem in the city of Des Moines...It would be a gem in any major city for that matter! This old converted warehouse is filled with wonderful things huge and small and all unique. Pieces great for decorating and gifts or finishing touchs in restoring your home. You can spend hours working your way through all the nooks and crannies, so be prepared. Luckily there's a little cafe so you can take a break. Prices range from wow that's cheap to wow that's expensive but sooo cool. We spent money there and loved what we got and look forward to returning. Very nice owner and staff. Great store. read more

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It's like walking into HGTV show in Des Moines, Iowa. If you're looking to buy some awesome pieces for your new digs or just want to wander through awesome stuff for the afternoon, this is the place. 4 floors of awesome home decor, from old metal gas station signs to funky patterned couches, West End has it all. Bottom/main floor has a cute little cafe and some kitschy handmade goods, like spoon rings and such. Each floor has a different theme (4th floor is all wood--doors, windows, slabs, etc.). Within each floor, they have organized it by room/style/color. So fun to sort through! I will say a lot of these pieces are pretty pricey, so it's not like going to a garage sale and finding gems for cheap. However, it does have high quality, unique items that can be the centerpiece of a room. They do have some awesome wedding items, like signs and decor! Great for light fixtures or furniture. read more

West End Architectural Salvage - Antiques Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Visiting from California and I got to say I Love this place they have so many high quality items and such a variety four or five floors so I was kind of impressed very clean very organized and what I love the most a coffee shop and beverages nothing I like more than having a cup of coffee as I'm looking at antiques thanks guys amazing place read more

This place is always so fun to look through. The vintage Santa Clause was perfect for the season. My husband really enjoyed the old pictures of Des Moines and blue prints of an airplane we found. The history in the items just makes it all so amazing. There's also some not so old great things - like a giant Infinity car logo. If only they had other car logos! Will have to come back and see. read more

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This place is so cool! We are visiting from Seattle and we neeeeeed our caffeine dosage of the day. (Seattleites problem oh well) So we found this place on Yelp and just hit the road. First impression: Neat place! Just the outside of the door you can tell it's pretty neat with probably a lot of cool vintage stuff. Second impression: Can't open that door... We were pushing and PUSHING but oh god somebody slammed the door before us so it's jammed... Third time is a charm my hubby and I both (kinda trying to destroy the door type) pushed and finally opened. What a good way to understand what we are into - vintage/ pretty historical place! Alright finally got the the cashier for our drinks which is why we are here for, the order is simple and fast, menu is a bit complex took us a bit longer to decide. But we know what we want so we were just looking for looking. Anyways got our drinks and it's ok. Can't expect professional coffee since it is more like a store for selling furniture and little things, than a legit coffee shop that cares about coffee quality. However we walked a circle in the store and they do have some really neat stuff! Wish we can get it back to Seattle! It's really nice condition and pretty clean. Also the space is well organized so not like you're in a very messy dirty theft shop, more a actually care about their products and themed shop. I would go there again for things to buy and furniture, but maybe not for a coffee run. Would try their sugar drinks to walk around the store though! read more

We went here just to check out the cool antiques they have on display. The custom made tables were my favorite. So many styles to look at. The coffee shop was fun and we had some delicious drinks read more

The coolest antique/junk shop ever! Several floors of fun! Also, don't forget to grab a beer or your favorite coffee drink at the coffee shop right inside the door. read more

Four floors of inspiration and creativity. Curated curiosities in a warehouse of whimsical antiquity. Explore all the levels and find conversation starters while sipping a cabernet or coffee. These guys know what they're doing. The cubano latte is luscious and the men and women working here are extremely friendly. This place is a must go to, so bookmark it and then take action. read more

West End Architectural Salvage - Just a tiny section, I'm sure you could visit three days in a row and notice multiple different items each time. - Antiques Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

West End Salvage is like an amusement park of fun, if you like looking at interesting and crazy things. Part coffee shop, part antique store. This multiple level ware house is an easy place to sip some coffee and work or get lost in a maze of things you would never seen anywhere else. Last year the tv show American Pickers did a segment on this store, and if you are a picker you are bound to find something fun in here. As for the coffee shop they have a few tables to sit and work at or it's a nice off the beaten path spot to have a meeting down town! Check this place out if you got some time to kill! read more

West End Architectural Salvage - This place is so much FUN - Antiques Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

When I come to West End Salvage, I treat my experience like I'm going to a museum rather than a shop/store/what-have-you. It's 4 floors packed with antiques and collectables! There's a coffee shop on the first floor that also sells treats and wine and beer, which I love. The decor is lovely and so fun to look at. There is a bathroom on every floor that are decorated to the nines. It's quite lovely. Everything here is super expensive and usually not in the best condition, hence the world 'salvage' in the store name. I've never purchased anything here other than a beverage, but damn if it isn't fun to drink a beer and look at old stuff. read more

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My husband and I live in Seattle, and are visiting his family in Des Moines. We stopped by the store and found something we'd been searching for at least a decade - a ship medicine cabinet. We would have missed it too, but the guys in the basement told us about the top 2 floors and their willingness to ship items:) We've heard locals complain about the prices here, but compared to prices in Seattle these are very fair. They also have an outstanding variety and collection that is well curated. You would think we could find this item in our home port town, but no we found it here in Iowa thanks to the great people at this store. read more

West End Architectural Salvage - The door to endless possibilities! - Antiques Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I can't say enough about how amazing the staff is at West End Architectural Salvage. We were planning a celebration of life for a family member who passed away very suddenly. I was an emotional, disheveled mess looking for a classy, unique, easy venue for my unusual family.  Don gave much needed organization to our absent minds. He softly and gently made suggestions to help us create an absolutely perfect party for our family and friends. The venue is gorgeous. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel like home. By the end of the night, Don felt like family. read more

Treasures! Floors and floors of treasure! Recently was here for a wedding! Yes you can rent out this space and have yourself a shin-dig. They have a bar area for all your drinking needs. You can cater in your food and having the space to show it off. Lots of tables for sitting. We got to go up lots of floors and get lost in the treasures that seemed to go on forever. The brides got to hide upstairs and make their way down a beautiful staircase to the wedding below. This place is lots of shopping fun and you should swing by when you have a chance. read more

Why throw away great stuff, when all you need to do is reimagine it! Don has done a fantastic job building his business and what a noble pursuits. read more

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One of my favorite places to hide out with a heavy book. Key word for you other cat-like introverts and bookworm Des Moiners : NOOKS. Nooks galore. Add onto that the chill vibe, down to earth staff, and the fact they carry my favorite beer (Blonde Fatale) and just have damn good coffee. And last, but not least, if you get a chance, have a chat with Don. You won't regret it. I almost didn't leave this review because I don't want my secret hideout getting overtaken.. but I just can't be that selfish. Find yourself a nook here and welcome to your next favorite stress-free zone. Wow Don, you should probably pay me to advertise for you. G2g inside now (yes I wrote this in the parking lot before entering) and vibe, later gang. read more

Very interesting place if you like to collect junk. I don't mean that in a bad way because one man's garbage is another man's treasure. This place has plenty of it. Like 4 floors I think. It is like an appointment building just full of all kinds of items. Their sitting area and coffee is nice also. Cool place to check out if you like vintage type of stuff. read more

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Got stuff, they do. Ask huge prices, they do that too. I'm not sure who buys things here. I wouldn't call this place antique store. Everything seems repurposed or housed for a repurpose in the future. Which I love, but the prices are for the wealthy only. No faint of heart shoppers here. What I learned: I have stuff at my house I need to sell and for way more then I paid. The stuff I used in the past that I no longer use is now what people are looking to repurpose to sell to people wanting to over pay. The wife and I did have a great time wondering around and looking at everything on all four floors. Got a Saturday with nothing going on and still want to spend time with your significant other, but not at home? This is a great place to do that. read more

West End Architectural Salvage - Antiques Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I love the people and architecture watching in this place. they were able to make my Cubano with almond milk, and I can sit and a joy the ambiance! The staff and owners are the best and part of the reason I go back I whenever I am in town. Wish I could have stayed for the wedding they were setting up for...looked amazing! read more

West End Architectural Salvage - Antiques Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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My husband and I just moved to Des Moines from California and left a lot of our furniture behind and were on the search for some new pieces, but didn't want the boring, low quality stuff from chain stores! We stumbled across this place and fell in LOVE with the uniqueness of the store (4 floors of treasures and you can grab a beer, wine or coffee to browse), the incredible deals, but most of all the amazing people that work here. Don is the owner and went above and beyond with his kindness and customer service!!! We purchased a desk that has so much character and a side stand for our printer and just LOVE them! We have already scoped our the next pieces we will buy and have decided to add a piece a month to our new home from here!! If you are in the Des Moines area, you MUST visit here!! read more

My review is based on atmosphere and coffee. Ok, and the people. This place is a wonderland of all things old, sometimes beautiful, and often strange. Road signs, windows and staircases from ancient tear-downs, stained glass lanterns that once hung from church ceilings. Floor after floor of interesting finds! The first floor holds a coffee bar (good coffee, juices, decent prices) and a nice open space to sit and enjoy your beverage - they also do special events if you need a space for a shower or similar gathering. The seating is at tables they've made from salvaged wood, metals, etc. In my humble opinion, I think a lot of the stuff they have for sale is way overpriced. The pieces that they've put together (tables with beautiful salvaged metals, artfully pieced together) seem to be a good value to me - it's art, really. But most of the stuff is in it's original, old, dusty, sometimes broken state - very cool, but not worth the hundreds of dollars on the price tag (to me). That said, I'm happy to wander around, wonder at the original purpose of some of the curiosities, and sip my tasty coffee. read more

Psst. You ever stalked a place? How about an object? West End Salvage will have you lusting after things, old beautiful things. They have this beautiful huge mirror I have been lusting/stalking after for a bit. But where would I put it, should I pay $1k for it? Both good questions. Don't even get me started about these bar chairs I saw. Floor upon floor of stuff. Some good. Some? And the coffee shop...best caramel macchiato anywhere! read more

Driving back to Chicago from Lawrence, Kansas is no small feat. It requires a willingness to take unexpected stops for pee-pee and refills on iced coffee. While on I-80, my husband and I made a detour in Des Moines, IA with the sole purpose of a quick bladder release and caffeine fix. We drove around the downtown area and through a street that led us to a giant sign that read, "COFFEE" and "ARTCHITECTURE" with a city jail located next door. No joke. We park conveniently next to the building and open the front door. My jaw dropped and for a moment, I was transplanted to another time. This time had no era and was made up of tin ceiling tiles, bricks salvaged from old buildings, scrappy wooden frames, dusty medicine bottles, rickety door handles and just about any salvaged piece of home/farm/business doo-dad that you can imagine. My husband and I promised to come back here when we move to collect a truckload of the stuff and build our own paradise. This place is worth the trip, but bring money! The prices are pretty reasonable (considering you don't have to go haul the stuff out of an abandoned house) and if you buy a lot of stuff, name your price. read more

I recently co-hosted an event at this space. First off, i would not recommend it to anyone! Its charm is easily overpowered by the dis-organization. Take this for what is it worth! I do events nationally and work with 100's of established venues each year, this was by far the worst experience in over 7 years of business. The sticker for me was on the day of event, the owners said $150 was not enough for a server to work my event. Instead of apologizing for not finding someone to work the party, they said i was too cheap. Well, Don, I am sure someone - two days before Christmas, could of used $150. Instead, you pocketed it. With that said, this situation left me 60 minutes before GO TIME short one person to help with the event (I was left to work it alone). To end the situation, they continued to charge me for the $150 - mind you no server - and then hand me a handwritten invoice after the party with the charge disguised as a rental fee. This same invoice that was requested 72 hours in advance of the event so there would be no surprises like this. After the surprise invoice "Mind you I am done with the dumb tactics" I defer the invoice to my co-hosts for payment (who are longtime loyal customers). The owner after hearing this news, decided it was okay to say some inappropriate remarks, insulting to say the least. Really? If there was a professionalism scale from 1-10, I would give them 1 star for having coffee. From a company that buys old stuff and over charges the consumer, I hope they learn a little business sense here and you save some hard earned money. My advice to a green event space owner - don't gloat about how many events you host in December, i am happy for you - you told me you had 12 events in 22 days. Don't gloat and tell a client how much other clients pay for bottles of wine, even if you are making a nice margin on $70 bottles of wine. Most of all, don't snuff small family budgets when you have already had a nice season. Lots of people are out of work and thankful for any business (not westend salvage). And most of all, when a client, big or small budget, asks for a invoice, GIVE IT TO THEM, this will help with surprises in the end and protects everyone involved. Lastly, don't over charge people. I hope this review will save you money if you are looking at doing a event or even buying something weathered for your home. Get your monies worth folks! Save a penny in 2010. You will need it for ice cream read more

I am so excited to be in such close proximity of West End Salvage. Such a great spot to explore or hang out at. You'll frequently see the owners running about working on projects. Super friendly guys. The coffee shop is pretty cool, featuring some of their projects in the sitting area. A few years ago, this was my main spot to stop and relax with a cup of coffee, read a book or talk with some of the staff a bit and then go around the few floors searching for new treasures. Now that I am back in the area I am excited to frequent West End again and check out their second location out in West Des Moines!! Ps for all you bachelor nation fans, West End Salvage was featured in Bachelor Chris's (Prince Farming) season. read more

I honestly did not know what to expect from this place when I pulled up for a visit. The only things I had heard about this place were the positive reviews on Yelp. I figured, with all this positive feedback from the community, this place must be worth checking it, and it was! From the outside, it looks like a fairly small and quaint; however, upon entering you quickly realize this ENTIRE building (all floors) is the business! The items in here are nearly stacked to the ceiling, literally in some areas! The staff members were very friendly and helpful when we said it was our first visit. They even have a coffee shop here which surprised me! We spent a bit of time here just browsing, if you actually spent time looking at stuff it would take you hours! There are some very neat things you can only find in a place like this! I highly recommend you come and take a peak!!! read more

I was taken to see this place during a break in our day's schedule -- it was very cool! Such interesting stuff. A great place for pictures. Or a scary movie. There's a restaurant inside, to boot. read more

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