The Design District

The urban potential of the masonry, timber, and steel buildings of SouthEnd’s Design District lay dormant for decades. At the heart of the district, Nebel Hosiery Mills, built in phases from 1924 to 1960, lay vacant in the late 1980s. Throughout the early 1990s, restaurants and offices began to replace industrial uses, yet the area remained sleepy while facades and outdoor spaces remained closed and uninviting.

Now, 505Design is working with Asana Partners to establish The Design District as a premier, walkable district along the light rail of the South End neighborhood of Charlotte. At the heart of the district is a 45,000 sf historic hosiery mill from the 1920s, featuring warehouse style buildings with brick facades and original steel windows. 505Design honored the original character of this historic landmark, while transforming the district into a dynamic and vibrant mixed-use project.

Jeni’s Ice Creams, Superica, Hawkers, and Barcelona Winebar are a few of the tenants set to occupy space in the renovated district.

LOCATION: Charlotte, North Carolina
CLIENT: Asana Partners

Project Scope

Project Visioning
Design Architecture
Full Service Architecture
Environmental Graphics + Signage

Awards & Accolades

2019 AIA Charlotte Design & Service Awards: Merit, Urban Design