Work is progressing on placement and restoration of the two-story duplex across from Blandwood Mansion at the corner of West Washington and Edgeworth streets in downtown Greensboro. The 100-year-old structure was recently moved from its original location on nearby Blandwood Avenue in order to make way for construction of the new Guilford County jail.
Upon completion, the building will be leased by the Zenke family, the developers and owners of the project. The family is now beginning to discuss leasing ideas for the building from prospective tenants.
In its form as a duplex, the comfortable brick building with stone window sills and broad front porch offers exciting possibilities for dual purposes. Its two front doors could lead to a single business inside, but each door could also open to complementary establishments. Imagine, for example, one door leading to a book store…the other to a coffee shop. Inside, the boundaries between the two could blend as a single space. The same dual purpose could apply to a flower/gift shop, an art gallery/dessertery, a dress/shoe shop, or any permutation thereof!
The first floor offers 1,932 square feet of space that will include an ADA accessible restroom. Stairs lead to the second floor containing 1,260 of space. A full basement will feature and additional 1,932 square feet of space with an outside entry. Limited parking is available on site.
With some fast action, the building might also hold a restaurant if structural requirements are met early in the restoration process. Greensboro has yet to have a downtown “old house restaurant” in the manner of Zevely House in Winston-Salem or Second Empire in Raleigh.
The duplex sits at one of the most travelled in-bound intersections in downtown Greensboro, and overlooks the shaded lawn of Blandwood Mansion, the nineteenth century home of Governor John Motley Morehead. Those interested in learning more about the opportunities of leasing the duplex may contact the developers by email.
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