The objective of this thesis, which was presented through floorplans, sections, elevations, and renderings, was to see how incorporating retrofitting into downtown Greensboro, NC would bring economic growth and development through architectural redevelopment. By taking an existing building and changing its function from retail/residential to commercial/ residential, the building would combine Greensboro’s flourishing arts culture and surrounding educational institutions.

2. 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

3. 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 The city of Greensboro has made great strides in
supports a less auto-
dependent and more socially re-vamping their once crumpling downtown.
engaged lifestyle. 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
Re-inhabitation-the
sections of Greensboro, example West Market St. &
adaptive reuse of Elm St, are bustling with culture. If you walk about
existing structures for
more community-
Retrofitting 5 blocks down Elm St. towards Lee St. the scenery
serving purposes, often definitely changes as you are surrounded by more
as “Third Places” for
Theory
social interaction. vacancies than occupied buildings and storefronts.
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

4. Goals for the project:
Retrofitting in downtown
Financially stable
Incorporate elements of downtown’s
Site 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
Site Analysis
358 South Elm St., Greensboro, NC

5. 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

6. 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

7. Building Elevations

8. Building Sections

9. First Floor- Exhibit Space

10. Corelite Loft E7QT4 Iris Halo 102 Span
Micro Frosted Lens Downlight
Soft Cone CSN Euroface Cascading
Bubble Chandelier
First Floor- Exhibit Space

11. First Floor- Exhibit Space

12. First Floor- Exhibit Space

13. First Floor- Exhibit Space

14. First Floor- Exhibit Space

15. First Floor Residence Entry

16. E7QDownlight
T4 Iris
Second Floor Residential

17. Third Floor Corridor

18. E5QT4 Iris
Downlight
MBLT Bullet Halo
Third Floor Residence Units

19. Third Floor Residence

20. Third Floor Residence

21. Third Floor Residence

22. Third Floor Residence

23. Rooftop Floor

24. Bar Detail

25. Wood
Chrome
Metal Bar
Cork
Board Display Detail

26. Self Sustaining Hues
Infusing Vibrant Union
Capturing Culture
Haiku