The objective of this thesis is to explore the

potential of retrofitting in a struggling downtown

Greensboro. By turning a former furniture store

into an art gallery and exhibit space shared by 5 of

the 6 universities in Greensboro, a new energy will

be infused into the 300 block of South Elm Street.

By combining Greensboro’s identity as a

flourishing art district a younger foot traffic can be

gained by a university presence.

Objective

Retrofitting

Redevelopment- replacing existing structures and/or

building on existing parking lots generally with a compact, walk able, connected mix of uses and public spaces that

supports a less auto-dependent and more socially

engaged lifestyle.

Re-greening- demolition of existing structures and

revitalization of lands, as either parks, community

gardens, or reconstructed wetlands. Re-greening is

sometimes a phasing strategy for eventual partial

development

Re-inhabitation-the adaptive reuse of

existing structures for more community-

serving purposes, often as “Third Places” for

social interaction.

The city of Greensboro has made great strides in

re-vamping their once crumpling downtown.

Although much has been done to revive downtown,

there are many portions and areas of downtown

Greensboro that suffer from neglected

infrastructure and vacant properties. While some

sections of Greensboro, example West Market St. &

Elm St, are bustling with culture. If you walk about

5 blocks down Elm St. towards Lee St. the scenery

definitely changes as you are surrounded by more

vacancies than occupied buildings and storefronts.

Theory

Site Analysis

Site

Goals for the project: Retrofitting in downtown

Financially stable

Incorporate elements of downtown’s

architectural old style

Changing Function

Materiality

University Presence

Energy/ Vitality/ Culture

Expanded downtown growth down South Elm

Nearby Attractions Natty Green’s Pub

Cultural Arts Museum

Carolina Theater

The Children’s Museum

Triad Stage

358 South Elm St., Greensboro, NC

With a major design emphasis on the inward

expressing itself outward, the idea of retrofitting

will be implemented through re-inhabitation,

redevelopment, and materiality. Materiality will play

a major role in bringing various inward design

elements outward to create a cohesive design that

reflects the culture of downtown Greensboro while

creating an identity of its own among the

surrounding Greensboro buildings.

Design Concept

3 Levels

1st Floor Exhibit Space

2nd -3rd Floors Residential Units with Key

Card Access Entry

6 Studio Style Apartments

Residential Rental Storage Units 2nd Floor

Laundry Room 3rd Floor

Rooftop Terrace

2 Balcony Views

358 South Elm Street

Building Elevations

Building Sections

First Floor- Exhibit Space

First Floor- Exhibit Space

Halo 102 Span E7QT4 Iris

Downlight

Corelite Loft

Micro Frosted Lens

Soft Cone CSN Euroface Cascading

Bubble Chandelier

First Floor- Exhibit Space

First Floor- Exhibit Space

First Floor- Exhibit Space

First Floor- Exhibit Space

First Floor Residence Entry

Second Floor Residential

E7QDownlight

T4 Iris

Third Floor Corridor

Third Floor Residence Units

E5QT4 Iris

Downlight

MBLT Bullet Halo

Third Floor Residence

Third Floor Residence

Third Floor Residence

Third Floor Residence

Rooftop Floor

Bar Detail

Display Detail

Wood

Chrome Metal Bar

Cork Board

Self Sustaining Hues

Infusing Vibrant Union

Capturing Culture

Haiku