Collectors Gene Radio: Barry Bordelon & Jordan Slocum - The Brownstone Boys

Host: Cameron Ross Steiner
Guests: Barry Bordelon & Jordan Slocum
Release Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Collectors Gene Radio, host Cameron Ross Steiner converses with Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, the dynamic duo behind The Brownstone Boys. Renowned for their meticulous restorations and profound respect for architectural heritage, Barry and Jordan share their journey, insights, and passion for preserving historic elements within Brooklyn brownstones. This episode delves deep into their restoration philosophies, collecting habits, challenges faced, and the emotional connections they forge with the pieces they salvage.

Origins of Passion: From Childhood to Brooklyn Brownstones

Barry and Jordan’s fascination with restoration stems from contrasting upbringings.
Barry recounts, “I grew up in New Orleans, where there is a lot of history and amazing architecture... it's always been just a part of my fabric” (00:40).
Jordan adds, “I grew up in Las Vegas where there weren't many old homes. Moving to New York, I was fascinated by the history inside these buildings” (03:14).

Their passion crystallized when they purchased and embarked on renovating their own Brooklyn brownstone after just seven months of dating. This personal project not only solidified their bond but also ignited their commitment to restoring and preserving historic homes.

Building a Community Through Sharing

Faced with limited budgets and restoration knowledge, Barry and Jordan turned to blogging and social media for guidance.
Barry explains, “We decided very early on... to put all of our learnings out there and help other people” (05:10).
Their first blog post featured them holding the keys to their new home, marking the beginning of a consistent documentation journey. This openness fostered a supportive community that became an invaluable resource for both them and fellow enthusiasts.

Restoration Philosophy: Balancing Preservation with Modernity

Barry and Jordan emphasize the importance of preserving original details while accommodating modern living needs.
Barry states, “We look at what original woodwork is going to be salvaged... it really is the jumping off point for the design for the entire house” (11:39).
They prioritize saving elements like wood moldings, plaster, fireplaces, and stained glass, allowing these features to guide the overall aesthetic of their projects.

A notable example is their decision to preserve an ornate plaster ceiling, prioritizing its restoration over other less critical elements. This approach ensures that the historical essence of the home remains intact while integrating necessary modern infrastructures like HVAC and electrical systems.

The Thrill of the Hunt: Discovering Hidden Gems

The joy of unearthing unique and unexpected items is a recurring theme in their conversations.
Jordan shares, “We found an old shoe in the wall from the 1800s... it was a wooden clog almost” (09:21).
Such discoveries, ranging from vintage guns to classic chandelier pieces, not only add character to their projects but also connect them to the stories of past inhabitants.

They often encounter items with intricate histories, such as an Elizabeth Arden lipstick capsule from the 1930s or antique stained glass windows, which they carefully restore and integrate into their clients' homes.

Challenges in Restoration: Skill Preservation and Resource Scarcity

A significant challenge Barry highlights is the dwindling number of skilled artisans capable of restoring intricate architectural details.
Barry remarks, “How is it that we can't find someone who can do this when someone did it in the 1800s” (33:32).
The loss of traditional handcrafting skills makes reproducing historic features increasingly difficult, underscoring the importance of Barry and Jordan’s work in preserving these arts.

Additionally, the scarcity of salvage yards and the rising cost of original hardware pose logistical and financial challenges. Despite these obstacles, their dedication to maintaining the integrity of historic homes remains unwavering.

Client Collaborations: Merging Personal Styles with Historic Elements

Working with high-profile clients like Kerry Washington and Athena Calderon, Barry and Jordan adeptly blend modern design preferences with vintage elements.
Jordan explains, “It's a collaboration, and it's always an educational component... bringing in some antiques to tell a full curated story” (42:02).
Their ability to integrate salvaged pieces seamlessly into contemporary spaces ensures that each home reflects both the client’s personal style and the home’s historical significance.

Emotional Connections: Stories Behind the Salvaged

The emotional bond Barry and Jordan form with the objects they restore is palpable.
Jordan shares a poignant story, “There was one mantle that I was very, very attached to... it was the most ornate thing I've ever seen” (28:13).
Such connections transform their work from mere restoration to storytelling, preserving the legacy and memories embedded within each piece.

Future of Preservation: Advocacy and Continued Passion

Barry and Jordan express concerns about the future of historic preservation, recognizing it as a "dying art."
Jordan states, “We have a fear that this is a dying art... we just can't let this artwork die” (22:33).
Their advocacy extends beyond restoration, aiming to educate and inspire others to value and preserve historic architecture and craftsmanship.

Collectors Gene Rundown

The episode concludes with the Collectors Gene Rundown, where Barry and Jordan answer a series of personal questions:

• One That Got Away: Barry reminisces about the Gates House, a beautifully restored project that slipped through their hands.
• On Deck Circle: Both express a growing interest in vintage furniture, with Jordan particularly enamored by antique lighting.
• Unobtainable: Both humorously lament the exorbitant costs of museum-quality art, labeling it “unobtainium.”
• Page One Rewrite: Barry dreams of owning a townhouse in iconic Brooklyn neighborhoods like West Village or Brooklyn Heights.
• The Goat: Jordan admires Spike Lee Jones for his artistic prowess and extensive collections.
• The Hunt vs. Ownership: Both prefer the thrill of the hunt over ownership, valuing the experience of searching for unique pieces.
• Collector’s Gene: Unanimously, they affirm they are born with the Collector’s Gene, hinting at a hereditary passion.

Conclusion

Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum embody the spirit of historic preservation through their work with The Brownstone Boys. Their commitment to restoring and honoring the architectural heritage of Brooklyn brownstones not only preserves the past but also enriches the present and future of these historic homes. This episode of Collectors Gene Radio offers invaluable insights into the delicate balance between preservation and modernization, the emotional ties to salvaged treasures, and the enduring passion that drives Barry and Jordan to keep the "Collectors Gene" alive.

Notable Quotes:

• Barry Bordelon: “How is it that we can't find someone who can do this when someone did it in the 1800s?” (33:32)
• Jordan Slocum: “We started very much on the wood banister, but then we had the wood window trims and the wood shutters. So there was a lot of wood in the house.” (07:45)
• Barry Bordelon: “If the house can't have HVAC and modern electricity, then no one's going to want to live in it.” (14:12)
• Jordan Slocum: “It's something really special about a vintage chandelier in the space.” (35:00)
• Barry Bordelon: “Making a change in our house is not really that big of a deal, because we are constantly changing.” (40:32)

Timestamp references correspond to the provided transcript sections for precise attribution.