Preservation Greensboro News
Radical Renewal Celebrates Completion
November 2, 2005 - The last week of October saw the culmination of a collaborative effort between three organizations dedicated to making Greensboro a unique, creative, and vibrant city. Action Greensboro, Downtown Greensboro, and Preservation Greensboro partnered with city businesses and volunteers to provide an historically accurate façade facelift the 110-year-old building that houses Thousands O’ Prints at 233 South Elm Street in downtown. In the process, the committee and crews restored the building’s original arch that was destroyed around 1907, and created a new entryway with more window display space.
Demolition of concrete blocks and aluminum storefront that stood in place of the original archway area began Monday October 24th. From there, crews worked to reconstruct the arch using plans drawn by TFF Architects that were inspired by volunteers who pondered the historic building's possibilities during a day-long charette held in February of 2005. Elements included the keystone arch, a vibrant color palette, and large plate-glass windows with new signage in an updated homage to traditional storefronts. While the new front respects the historic features of the building, it is a contemporary design that adheres to the Secreary of Interior's Standards of Rehabilitation. These standards, recognized by the architect and volunteers, are the benchmark for appropriate design for additions to old buildings.
The Radical Renewal committee wishes to thank the following companies and organizations for their support:
Action Greensboro, Preservation Greensboro, Downtown Greensboro, Inc., Radical Renewal Committee, Samet Corporation, Sutton-Kennerly & Associates, TFF Architects, Able Communications & Electrical Services, Able-Bodied Labor, Camelot Construction Company, Dependable People Incorporated, North Star Painting Company, NOW Marketing, Posterprints, Sunbelt Rentals, Trone Public Relations.