‘Salvage Dawgs’ Set To Premiere Nov. 8 On DIY Network
Architectural enthusiasts and fans of Roanoke-based Black Dog Salvage Inc., Sally the “black dog”, and lovers of historical treasures have a new way to share their passion when the Do It Yourself Network (DIY) premieres the original documentary-style series, “Salvage Dawgs,” on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 11pm EST. and again Friday, Nov. 9 at 9pm EST.
Co-produced by Trailblazer Studios and Figure 8 Films, Salvage Dawgs chronicles the adventures of Roanokers Robert Kulp and Mike Whiteside, owners of Black Dog Salvage.
The goal of each episode is to leave audiences laughing, inspired, and amazed as they stay just ahead of the wrecking ball to reclaim a wide range of vintage architectural elements and oddities.
The salvaged materials go in a dazzling number of directions, from being incorporated into new “old” houses to being transformed into one-of-a-kind furniture and art featured on their warehouse floor and website.
“We are saving America, one house part at a time,” said owner Robert Kulp. “It’s satisfying to know that these architectural treasures will live on and be appreciated across the country.”
In the premiere episode of Salvage Dawgs, the Black Dog crew salvages the Izard House, a 14-room farmhouse built in the 1890s that was said to have served as a schoolhouse and post office; the center of a long lost farming community in the mountains of Southwest Virginia.
Throughout the series, Kulp strives to run a tight ship with his eye on the bottom line — while spirited Whiteside wreaks havoc, tearing through old homes and buildings finding treasure in the most unexpected places and making things happen even under the most challenging circumstances.
“Architectural salvage is not just about sledgehammers, sometimes it’s about surgical precision,” said Kulp. Whiteside added, “I’ll stick with the big hammer.”
Both Mike and Robert demonstrate a natural talent for horse trading, an exuberant love of history and a creative vision for turning old relics into treasure. “When it comes to tearing things apart to find treasures and selling them to make a profit, Mike and Robert have experienced it all,” said Trailblazer Studios’ VP of Original Programming, Jeff Lanter. “From extracting architectural elements out of private homes and classic historical properties to disassembling old hospitals and crumbling mills, every day is a challenge and an opportunity. That’s the stuff that makes great television.”
Black Dog Salvage is located at 902 13 street in Roanoke – it’s mission is to “reclaim, renew and redefine architectural salvage for a sustainable future, they specialize in saving such elements from the landfill.” The 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse is filled with architectural antiques and features an in-house wood and metal shop that creates custom designs out of reclaimed materials.
In 2005, Black Dog Salvage expanded to include The Memorial Bridge Marketplace, an interior design marketplace and gallery featuring a wide range of merchants and artists. It has been featured on The Nate Berkus Show, in the magazines Southern Living, Country Living, Virginia Living and recently in Garden and Gun.
DIY Network will air the first episode of Salvage Dawgs on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 11pm, and then again on Friday, Nov. 9 at 9pm and Saturday, Nov. 10 at 8am, EST. Check your local cable or satellite provider for times and channels.
