For the Commercial Rehabilitation of the Capital Club Ballroom, 16 W. Martin Street, Raleigh
During the 1930s, the Capital Club Building’s 12th floor ballroom was the hub of local social activity, elegance and entertainment. Like many historic spaces, it underwent a great deal of change of use, as well as physical transformation. From ballroom, to storage space, to TV station, the first seven decades saw a drastic change in the once glamorous party place. Once the television studio WTVD 11 moved out in early 2007, Capital Club Properties, LLC attempted to uncover what they believed to be a hidden gem – the original ballroom floor. Over the years the once gleaming floor had been covered with a thick black tar mastic, tiles, additional mastic, plywood and carpet layers. Once the final layer was removed, they were able to reveal one of the most significant original features of the ballroom, the original maple wood floor, still in place. The space was one step closer to realizing it’s former glory.
Shortly thereafter, North State Bank leased the entire floor for a banking and office location. During this time New City Design Group worked with Capital Club Properties, LLC and North State Bank to repair and improve the space. The project involved the much needed removal of a very large, intrusive vestibule at the elevators which divided the space and greatly impacted the historic entrance view. Additionally, the team also worked on the repair and restoration of the damaged plasterwork, by returning it to its original condition, as well as an updating of the HVAC and the electrical systems.
By 2011, the North State Bank had moved on to a new space, and Capital Club Properties took the final steps needed to allow the space to be operated as a ballroom yet again. Working with Maurer Architecture, the team converted the 12th floor from office occupancy to assembly occupancy and the transformation was complete. Finally, after all of those years, the space was returned to its original use as a gathering, meeting and entertainment space; although the view of downtown Raleigh out the 12th floor windows had changed in 70 years, the gleaming hardwoods and interior details allow guests to feel as though they have stepped back in time and the history of the Capital Club Ballroom has come full circle.
The Board of Directors of Capital Area Preservation, Inc. is pleased to present a 2012 Anthemion Award Capital Club Properties, LLC, New City Design Group, Maurer Architecture for the rehabilitation of the Capital Club Ballroom, 16 W. Martin Street, Raleigh.