COHAB.SPACE
Location: High Point, NC
Type: Adaptive Reuse
COHAB.SPACE
COHAB.SPACE is a dynamic adaptive reuse project located in High Point, North Carolina. Spanning several buildings and 80,000+ square feet, this campus serves as a hub of creativity. Part showroom, part retail, part event space, it unites artists and professionals with the local community. We have been collaborating with the owner for several years on this evolving space and look forward to future progress.
A Vision in Progress
High Point, North Carolina is a globally recognized destination for fine furniture with a biannual market that attracts visitors from all around. However, outside of this event, the city is pretty dormant, lacking a vibrant downtown area. Founder of COHAB.SPACE, John Muldoon, saw an opportunity to bring vitality to the city through renovation of a run-down hosiery mill complex. He approached us in 2017 with his idea of a new creative hub that would invigorate the community and create opportunities for local creatives.
Existing conditions of the historic Melrose Hosiery Mill buildings located in the Southwest Mill District of High Point.
We began our work by crafting a master plan that reimagined how the spaces could be used and enjoyed. Our work has continued in phases, providing COHAB.SPACE with steady guidance through various permitted renovations. By way of a strategic re-zoning of the parcels and a thoughtful conceptualization of facade improvements, we are bringing to life a dynamic environment that reflects the needs and desires of the community. Our ongoing efforts have included significant reactivation and reconstruction of historic spaces.
Early Concept Rendering of COHAB.SPACE.
A Multifaceted Space
Breaking with the traditional furniture showrooms in the area, COHAB.SPACE has blossomed into multifaceted interior and exterior spaces. It hosts a diverse range of functions and activities across several buildings, including retail, showrooms, galleries and event venues open to both trade professionals and the public year-round.
Inside, the retail areas highlight local craftsmanship, featuring workshops from brands like Blaxsand and Clubcu and gallery space that showcases Blue Spiral artists. COHAB.SPACE offers an outdoor area for community events or concerts, with a capacity of 1,500 people. Additionally, there is an intimate interior event space complete with a bar and seating, perfect for smaller gatherings.
With a focus on showcasing local craftsmanship, the showrooms are designed to emphasize the remarkable talents of artisans and makers within the community. Altura Architects looks forward to our continued support of this ongoing adaptive reuse project and its role in fostering a vibrant community in High Point’s Southwest Mill District.
Project Team
Photography: Courtesy of John Muldoon