Preservation Greensboro News
Developer Sought for Downtown Property
25 August 2006 - Preservation Greensboro Incorporated seeks a private developer to purchase and adaptively reuse the Colonial Ice and Coal Company building at 401 East Market Street in downtown Greensboro. The building may be eligible for incentives such as federal and state tax credits, or Guilford County property tax abatements.
The conservation of the Colonial Ice and Coal Company building, located at the entrance to the East Market Street corridor, is critical to the architectural history and visual character of eastern downtown Greensboro. Much of the predominently African-American business district was destroyed for redevolpment in the 1960s, and the Colonial Ice building stands as one of few remaining structures of the neighborhood.
The building has deteriorated in condition since the City of Greensboro took ownership of the site in 2003. The east and north walls of the building were removed, and a tree has been allowed to grow through the brick wall of the southeastern corner of the building. However, important architectural elements including the main southern and western façade remain intact, as well as wood flooring, large windows, and high ceilings. The building is an excellent candidate for adaptive reuse that incorporates new architectural expressions such as an interior courtyard and rear walls, with preservation of the main façade and windows.
A May 2006 appraisal valued the land at $290,000 (no value for the building).
Preservation Greensboro Incorporated is a nonprofit membership organization that helps protect treasured historic and architecturally significant places. Established in 1966, PGI's programs range from educational seminars and walking tours to annual awards, children's activities and the news magazine, Landmarks. Its subsidiary organizations include the Preservation Revolving Fund, Architectural Salvage of Greensboro, Blandwood Mansion and Museum Shop, the Blandwood Carriage House, and the Blandwood Ball.