The A. J. Fletcher Foundation has joined forces with Preservation North Carolina (PNC) to save the historic Briggs Hardware Building on the Fayetteville Street Mall in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Built in 1874, the building stood for a time as the tallest building in eastern North Carolina and is referred to as Raleigh’s first “skyscraper.”
Vacant for over two years, it was destined for the wrecking ball when the Fletcher Foundation and PNC agreed to partner the effort to restore the 123 year old Raleigh landmark.
The A. J. Fletcher Foundation, the Fletcher School of Performing Arts and The National Opera Company have already moved into the top floor. The PNC, Carolina Special Olympics, and Raleigh City Museum will move in when the rehab is completed, making it a center for non-profit organizations.
The lobby at A.J. Fletcher Foundation offices include a portrait of A.J. Fletcher. The restoration of the Briggs Hardware Building is an important development in the efforts to revitalize Raleigh’s city center. With the move to downtown, the Foundation, PNC and the other non-profit tenants can count themselves as leaders in downtown Raleigh’s renaissance.
