Meet Your Neighbor, Greg Pemberton, from Sarasota Day

Christy Chilton
Apr 17, 2014
3 min read

In the 10 months since he opened the salvage yard, Pemberton has quickly developed a loyal fan base thanks mainly to his insight and a desire to maintain the integrity of the past. He had a wild ride before arriving in Sarasota – touring with his band “Love Tractor” in support of, among others, the B-52’s, and befriending the alum of “Saturday Night Live” in the mid-Eighties. But his love of architectural history and the myriad associations pulled him away from the lighted stage.

There’s a chalkboard outside of Circus City Architectural Salvage that announces its intent: “Good prices on unique finds.”

If this principle presents an intriguing challenge, you won’t be disappointed. By simply stepping inside the spacious salvage arena on the corner of Central Avenue and 10th, you’ll immediately find yourself immersed in a wonderland of American culture that spans decades. With every turn, you’re presented with an eclectic array of items strategically placed in every nook and cranny of this airy, open environment.

“I just want people to have fun when they visit,” says co-owner and self-proclaimed “ringmaster,” Greg Pemberton.

“If my customers can find something they feel they can give a new life, or meaning to, then I’m happy.”

As you attempt to find that special item, you’ll notice eye catching items at every turn - art work, cameras, vinyl records, billboard decor, statues, elegant doorknobs and lighting fixtures and, of course, circus-related memorabilia - each piece unique; calling out to you because of distant memories or personal associations.

“Money isn’t the endgame, it’s the journey and the discovery of these treasures that inspires me,” explained Pemberton who is staying ahead with remembrances of things past.

“I want all of my customers to experience that revelation for themselves and to leave my store with a smile.”

Pemberton, who originally hails from Richmond, Virginia, has been an avid lover and collector of all things antiquated from the age of 10. His uncanny ability to save and, ultimately, make use of items that many would overlook has served him well as has his desire to protect a community's heritage.

“I believe in restoring Main Street USA," said Pemberton. "I’ve renovated houses that many would consider beyond repair. But those old buildings are what keep old towns alive."

As to the reason for his desire to ensure the past maintains a relevance, he’s quick to point out the influence of his parents.

“I’m from a family of 10,” he explains. “My parents were of the World War II generation and they saved everything - as a family we had to, money was tight. I learned that lesson well.

“But it was my grandfather who had the biggest influence on me. He had a five-acre farm in Richmond and it was full of junk – but it was a picker’s paradise. Old cars with chickens rooting inside – it was an amazing place. And he was always selling his stuff to people. As a child, it was just an amazing place to discover.”

Referring to the growing mainstream eco-friendly appeal of recycling, restoring and reviving, Pemberton claims a place in the hierarchy.

“I’ve been doing the ‘RE-thing’ for decades,” he said. “I’m glad other collectors are catching up, though. I totally support anyone who is working to produce less waste in our landfills and keeping products in our country by reusing them.”

In the 10 months since he opened the salvage yard, Pemberton has quickly developed a loyal fan base thanks mainly to his insight and a desire to maintain the integrity of the past. He had a wild ride before arriving in Sarasota – touring with his band “Love Tractor” in support of, among others, the B-52’s, and befriending the alum of “Saturday Night Live” in the mid-Eighties. But his love of architectural history and the myriad associations pulled him away from the lighted stage.

However, there have been times of uncertainty for Pemberton as he readily admits.

“A few months back, an investor from out of town attempted to buy this property from underneath me.”

Thankfully TJ Broom – a former battalion chief for Sarasota's fire department - stepped in as an investor and the two, who each share a deep passion for rescuing artifacts of the past, are now partners and confident Circus City Architectural Salvage will continue to flourish.

“At the end of the day, it's just stuff," says Pemberton.

“But come here and let your imagination run wild,” he continued. “Give your time to save our history and maintain the original integrity of whatever you find here – just give it a new life’ a new purpose.”

Perhaps it is just "stuff" at the end of the day, but it just so happens to be really cool, precious stuff that will never go out of style.

Circus City Architectural Salvage 1001 Central Avenue Sarasota 866-2500 circuscitysalvage@gmail.com facebook.com/circuscitysalvage