Trees that lined the Fulton Mall will be getting a new and a new purpose

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- To re-open the Fulton Mall to traffic in Downtown Fresno many trees must first be cut down. Smaller pieces are ground into mulch but much of the urban lumber will be re-purposed. Some of the wood may even find its way back to the mall.

Trees which once provided shade on the Fulton Mall have been reduced to stumps. But the wood is not going to waste. Kroeker Incorporated sells the urban lumber to Tim Schulz of revive industries.

"We will use some of the wood for our own furniture projects. We've done counter tops, tables, shelving units."

Schulz brought the wood from several types of trees and every piece revealed something different as he ran it through the saw. Schulz specializes in upcycling wood.

Other woodworkers and cabinet makers have expressed interest in buying some of the smaller pieces.

"Wood Turners and stuff, they're making bowls and even gun stocks," said Schulz.

Schulz figures some of this wood would make for a good sign or even a bench along the Fulton Mall once the street is complete.

Schulz calls peeling open the wood the fun part. An oil finish really brings out the design.

Schulz also bought the wood flooring from the old cedar lanes bowling alley. He used the wood to build cabinets and shelves and sold them.