Sit back, relax, and join me on a fascinating journey through architectural history!
One of the most exciting parts of working with architectural salvage is getting our hands on historic building materials that we just don’t see every day. Today, let’s dive into something truly special!
Right now, at our Seattle location, we have a unique selection of pigmented structural glass in stock, available in a variety of colors and sizes. Two well-known brand names for this material are Vitrolite and Carrera, though there were about eight in total. This remarkable glass was highly valued for its incredible strength and durability—it doesn’t craze, swell, or warp. It’s also exceptionally burn-resistant, stain-resistant, and colorfast. Plus, because it’s non-porous, it won’t absorb bacteria or viruses, making it easy to clean and disinfect.
Developed in the early 1900s by the Marietta Mfg. Co. of Indianapolis, this innovative material was originally designed as a sanitary and affordable alternative to marble. Initially available only in black, white, and beige, it was first marketed as a lining for refrigerators. As other manufacturers adopted the process, they introduced new pigments and expanded its applications. Soon, this durable glass found its way into laboratories, bakeries, and dairies, prized for its hygienic and easy-to-clean properties.
By the 1930s, in the midst of the Great Depression, over 30 colors of this remarkable glass were available, including translucent options. Vitrolite and its counterparts became icons of the Streamline Moderne and Art Deco movements, gracing building facades, storefronts, and serving as a sleek backdrop for painted, decaled, and even backlit business signs. In an era of economic struggle, it was marketed as a “modern” and therefore superior design choice—one that business owners believed would attract more customers and boost sales. If you’ve ever admired the glamorous facades of historic theaters, chances are you’ve seen Vitrolite adding to their dazzling appeal!
In homes, pigmented structural glass became a sought-after material for creating stunning, custom-designed interiors. Its sleek, glossy surface and wide range of colors made it perfect for crafting bespoke bathrooms, elegant fireplace surrounds, stylish countertops, eye-catching backsplashes, and more. Not only was it visually striking, but its durability, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning made it a practical choice for homeowners looking to combine beauty with functionality.
Today, while production has long since ceased, Vitrolite remains a highly sought-after material for historic restorations. Salvaged pieces are prized by architects and collectors who recognize its beauty and craftsmanship. Whether preserving a vintage storefront or incorporating it into contemporary design, Vitrolite continues to captivate with its timeless elegance and Art Deco charm. In St. Louis, MO, there exists possibly the last Vitrolite Specialist in the world, Tim Dunn.
If you’d like to see preservation in action right here in Seattle, look no further than the Roosevelt Light Rail Station. The station proudly showcases the original 1947 façade of the iconic Streamline Moderne-style Standard Radio building, a striking example of the style. This historic Vitrolite-clad façade was carefully dismantled from its original location and meticulously reinstalled at the station, serving as both a tribute to the past and a stunning architectural feature. Now, as riders pass through, they’re greeted by a piece of history—a reminder of the neighborhood’s evolution and the importance of preserving its architectural heritage.
Pigmented structural glass boasts a rich—and, quite frankly, fascinating—history. While I could go on for hours about its impact on architecture and design, I’ll leave you with all this information to spark your curiosity. Whether you’re a history buff, a design enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful craftsmanship, there’s always more to explore. If this has piqued your interest, I encourage you to dive deeper into the world of Vitrolite and its counterparts—you never know where your newfound appreciation for this incredible material might take you! A great place to start is this amazingly in depth article from one of my favorite websites, decopix.com.
