Mankato, Minnesota Apr 2, 2024 (Issuewire.com) – Earth Day Commemoration: Minnesota’s Old Buildings Become Homes for the Future

Mark Johnson has made recycling, reusing, and repurposing old building materials a way of life since he built his first home out of a century-old barn in 1976. Now, Mark’s company, Artisan Restoration, specializes in repurposing old log cabins and barns to create new homes and buildings.

Johnson and his team at Artisan Restoration have a passion for preserving the history and craftsmanship of old structures while giving them new life. By repurposing existing materials instead of using new ones, they help mitigate the environmental impact of construction activities.

Johnson’s latest project is a beautiful home on Lake Washington in Kasota that he and his team built primarily with reclaimed materials from two log buildings. They also sourced materials from various locations around Minnesota to ensure sustainability. The floor framing came from a barn in Sanborn and an old bar in Eveleth, MN. The second floor was framed using beams from a bank in Albert Lea and logs from a barn near Good Thunder. Other materials were salvaged from a building being demolished in Fergus Falls, a motel in Gilbert, and barns near Mapleton and the Mankato airport. Additionally, many of the materials were repurposed from Mark’s own grandparents’ cabin. The “Sophus” House,” as Mark calls it, will soon be available for short-term rent through VRBO.

“We see each project as an opportunity to honor the past while building for the future,” said Johnson. “Our clients appreciate the beauty and authenticity of reclaimed materials, knowing that they are not only getting a one-of-a-kind structure but also making a sustainable choice.”

As the world celebrates Earth Day, Artisan Restoration encourages individuals and businesses alike to embrace sustainable practices and make conscious choices that benefit the planet. Through their innovative approach to repurposing old buildings, Mark and his team continue to demonstrate that sustainability and craftsmanship can go hand in hand.

For more information about Artisan Restoration and their sustainable building projects, please contact:

Mark Johnson

Founder & Owner, Artisan Restoration

Phone: 507-469-0474

Email: artisanrestorationmn@gmail.com

Website: artisanrestorationmn.com

Rent the Sophus House: vrbo.com/ 3920640

About Artisan Restoration

Artisan Restoration is a company based in Kasota, Minnesota, specializing in the repurposing of old log cabins and barns to create new homes and buildings. Founded by Mark Johnson, Artisan Restoration is committed to sustainable building practices and preserving the history and craftsmanship of heritage structures.