The Chicago & North Shore Furniture Restoration Experts Since 1937
About Alan Karzen Restoration
Alan’s Beginnings In A Family Of Furniture Refinishers And Furniture Restoration Experts
From the time Alan Karzen was a child, he started going to work with his father at the Atlas Refinishing Service Company on Chicago’s westside.
Alan watched the craftsmen and learned the value of hand-workmanship and fine attention to detail. He quickly embraced an appreciation for the old-world talent required to restore fine furniture by reclaiming its former value and never allowing chemical shortcuts to restore furniture. He saw furniture restorations as a work of art and enjoyed every opportunity to create a masterpiece.
In 1971, Alan made the decision to join his father in the family-owned and operated business. Alan’s goal was to “save and restore” each piece of furniture he could as well as continue the tradition of his father’s company. As a result, he encouraged people to preserve their valued antique or treasured heirloom.
Experts In Furniture Repair And Furniture Restoration
Alan Karzen Restorations is a furniture and cabinet repair, refinish and re-upholstery company. We specialize in antique restorations, piano repair, kitchen remodeling, and fine quality furniture and cabinetry. Our family has been in the business since 1937, and we have decades of experience in the restoration of fine furniture.
Don’t forget what fine furnishings can do for your business! Make the quality & professionalism of your image shine with restored furnishings that help you stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s the restoration of a conference table at your office or the refinishing of a bar at your restaurant or tavern… let’s talk.
You may be taken aback to see how treasured traditional techniques, combined with the avoidance of harmful chemical ‘short-cuts’, can reverse years of normal wear and tear and bring back the forgotten magnificence of your wood. Our specialties also include wood cabinetry, paneling and molding, as well as reupholstering chairs and couches.
The Birth Of An Antique Refinishing Company
In 1937, Louis Karzen, the son of Russian immigrants who lived through the Great Depression and believed in The American Dream, founded the Atlas Piano Co. At first, he concentrated on buying and selling reconditioned used pianos. He sold these pianos to dealers as well as directly to consumers after tuning, restring and rebuilding them.
In time, Karzen decided to expand his business and changed the name of the company to the Atlas Refinishing Service Company. A furniture restoration business and antique furniture refinishing company was born. He believed that a family-owned and operated business offering the finest in old world refinishing techniques for treasured heirlooms and valuable antique furniture at reasonable prices would appeal to Chicagoans. He also offered upholstery repair. With all the history of Chicago, the people of such a town carry just as much history in their home from generation to generation. This meant that the people needed a family owned business that understood and cherished the memories associated with heirlooms. They needed an antique furniture refinishing company that could care for and restore their furniture, unlike most furniture repair shops.
Louis Karzen caught the attention of major insurance companies who used the company’s services for their customers’ refinishing and furniture restoration needs. Because he maintained the integrity of each piece of furniture through hand stripping and the hand application of each customized finish, his reputation grew.
His son, Alan, joined the business and ran it after his father retired. In 2004, he sold the business to pursue other interests. Unable to stay away from a business that is “in his blood,” he has opened Alan Karzen Restoration to renew your furniture and bring it back to life. To Alan, furniture restoration is a passion as much as it is a remarkable skill.
2015 Rotarian of the Year
Alan Karzen Honored by Northbrook Chapter of Rotary International
The annual award is designated for the one Rotarian in each club who clearly stands out in demonstrating “Service Above Self,” and principled commitment to the Four-Way Test.
Business Awards
Strategic Partner
Sexton Complete Care Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a beautiful and durable element to your space no matter what you use your commercial property for. When properly maintained, you’ll discover that it has the longevity that will save you money in the long run when it comes to flooring. If you have hardwood flooring needs for your business, whether it’s a restaurant or storefront, there are many ways we can be of service.
