The Repurpose Project in Gainesville, Florida is one of those places you could wander for hours and still not see it all. Part creative reuse center, part salvage yard, and part treasure hunt, it’s a nonprofit dedicated to keeping usable materials out of the landfill and in the hands of people who can give them a second life. If traditional thrift stores won’t take it, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here — sorted, organized, and ready to inspire your next project.
On our visit, we browsed aisles stacked with everything from scrap wood, fabric, and yarn to bottle caps, old magazines, and broken jewelry just waiting to be reimagined. There were bins of keys, drawers of hardware, shelves of art supplies, and even oddball electronics for tinkering. Every corner seemed to hold something unexpected — the kind of place where you come in for one thing and leave with five completely different ideas.
The Repurpose Project has grown to include three locations: the original creative reuse store, Reuse Planet for furniture and appliances, and Renovator Reuse for building materials. Together, they make it easy to shop secondhand for just about anything, while supporting a mission that’s good for the planet and the local community.
Planning Your Visit
- Location: 1920 NE 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL
- Hours: Check their official website for current hours.
- What you’ll find: Art and craft supplies, building materials, furniture, electronics, and all kinds of odd treasures.
- Tip: Bring measurements, a list, and an open mind — you never know what you’ll discover.
Whether you’re an artist, a DIYer, or just someone who loves the thrill of the unexpected, The Repurpose Project is worth the stop. You’ll leave with ideas, materials, and maybe a new perspective on what’s possible when we rethink what we throw away.