Arcade building readied for market showrooms
Susan M. Andrews -- Furniture Today, February 23, 2003
High Point — A vintage downtown building here is being developed as showroom space and expects to have tenants for the April market.
The Arcade building at 329 North Main St. has been purchased by local businesswomen Dian Brigman and Lynn Corrias, both formerly at Showplace. They plan to spend $500,000 renovating the three-story, 35,000-square-foot building, which was built in 1925.
Corrias and Brigman launched International Affairs of High Point last year, a business that helps small to midsized international and domestic companies exhibit here. The Arcade building is expected to feature foreign exhibitors.
"But we just want to get it open and running, then let the market dictate to us," Brigman said.
The building's charm has been obscured by a faded gold grating on the front. On the inside, drop ceilings hide the original tin ceiling. Those elements are being removed. The renovated building will features a wide promenade down the middle, with 20-foot ceilings and glass-fronted spaces on either side as showrooms. Other planned improvements include elevators and handicapped access.
Both Brigman and Corrias have worked in real estate, and cite the importance of the building's location.
"First Baptist Church is right next door and they have a wonderful garden area they are going to open up during market so people can sit there and enjoy the surroundings," Brigman said. "We also will have a private shuttle so that buyers can call International Affairs and we'll pick them up and bring them here."
Market Showrooms
10/12/2009Market Showrooms
03/29/2008
