RND Architects: Project: Brightleaf Square

Office/Commercial

Brightleaf Square

LOCATION
Durham, NC

SERVICES
Renovation/Adaptive Re-use Historic Restoration

CHALLENGE

Two parallel tobacco storage warehouses had been renovated to retail and office use in the 1980's. They were separated by an open courtyard with depressed rail spur with retail halls facing the open space. Despite significant landscaping and a maze of brick ramps, planters. and stairs work. Because of this substantial gap, the retail activity on one side could reinforce the activity on the other, essentially creating two, isolated malls. The opening of the open space from a public street was obstructed, discouraging pedestrian interest.

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SOLUTION

RND's design transformed the original configuration into an accessible, tree-lined "main street". By raising the level of the courtyard to the retail level and abandoning the inner retail hallways, the shops could now expand to face onto the "street". Vitrines at selected warehouse door openings provided retail display space for the shops and gave rhythm to the facades. Clearing away obstacles at the mouth of the courtyard at the public street end allowed visibility into the courtyard. Despite local competition from other re-developed properties, the courtyard has become a vibrant, retail/restaurant/music venue.