Caldwell’s Green history goes back over 100 years. John B. Symon founded Caldwell’s predecessor Symon Brothers in 1901. Symon Brothers was originally a drayage company but in the aftermath of 1906 earthquake Symon Brothers became Symon Brothers Wreckers, filling the need to demolish the damaged buildings left behind from the earthquake. From the start Symon Brothers practiced the technique of building de-construction. That is where every part of the building that is salvageable is taken down with care and then sold for re-use.
For 48 years Symon Brothers sold reclaimed building materials in their San Francisco store. Among it many projects were the razing of the Old Bohemian Club, the Johnson Mansion on Nob Hill and the Flood Mansion in Atherton. In 1956 Symon Brothers sold the business to Theodore Brown headed by their young president Robert “Bob” Caldwell. Bob Caldwell carried on the tradition of de-construction after being taught the practice by Symon Brothers long time employee of 24 years, Ray Cereghino. The company changed its name to Bayshore Wreckers.
In 1964 Bayshore Wreckers became Caldwell Building Wreckers, when Bob Caldwell took over the reins of the de-construction business. Bob Caldwell all along continued practicing the technique of de-construction when other competitors did the “Smash and Dash” demolishing everything and taking it to the dump. Over the years Caldwells evolved from de-construction and the selling recycled building materials to selling new building materials.
The Caldwells of today is quite different form the original Symon Brothers but carries on the same Green tradition of responsible business practices. Today Caldwell’s seeks out sustainable materials for doors, door hardware and moulding they sell in their 6,000 Sq. Ft. showroom in San Francisco.
| 2008 | Moved to 200 Industrial St. in San Francisco with 6,000 sq ft Showroom |
| 2002 | Opened first Showroom and the Door Shop |
| 1980 | Moved to 195 Bayshore Boulevard in San Francisco |
| 1977 | Moved to McKinnon St from Carrol Ave in San Francisco |
| 1964 | Bayshore Wreckers became Caldwell Building Wreckers |
| 1956 | Symon Brothers sold the business to Theodore Brown and was renamed Bayshore Wreckers headed by Bob Caldwell as President |
| 1940 | Bob Caldwell Joined the Navy and spent the war in the South Pacific on a destroyer |
| 1918 | Robert “Bob” Caldwell was born in San Francisco on Steiner St. |
| 1906 | Symon Brothers became Symon Brothers Wreckers in the aftermath of the SF Earthquake |
| 1901 | John B. Symon founded Caldwell’s predecessor Symon Brothers |
Company Founder Bob Caldwell was born in San Francisco in 1918 on Steiner Street. Bob grew up on a ranch in Santa Rosa, and eventually attended Santa Rosa Junior College. A natural leader, Bob went on to be president of the school and play guard on the basketball team. While spending his summers in Guernville working as an ice man, he met the future Mrs. Caldwell who spent her summers there with her family. It was also there at the Northwoods Country Club that Bob found his second love… golf. He would eventually become a lifetime member of The Olympic Club in S.F.
After Graduating, Bob joined the Navy as an ensign in 1940 and spent the war in the South Pacific on a destroyer. He married Lucille Carney in 1944 and after the war, left the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. The Caldwells moved to the Russian River, where Bob owned and operated a hardware store in Guernville until 1950. in 1956 he joined Bayshore Building Wreckers as President. As President of B.B.W. Bob learned the practice of deconstructing buildings, and eventualy started his own business- Caldwell’s Building Wreckers in 1964.
- 6,000 sq.ft. Designer Showroom!
- 100′s of Doors on Display & 1000′s of Styles Available