Plant Seven, a 100,000 square-foot redevelopment project, will emerge this fall as High Point’s new center for design, culture and innovation at 410 West English Road (formerly Union Square). With an ambitious plan to rollout over the coming years, Plant Seven will preview Oct. 12-17, 2018 with a soft opening celebration in conjunction with High Point Market. Plant Seven is home to the HP365 initiative, a non-profit that has created a range of new programs and experiences in the building, which will ultimately revitalize a critical part of High Point’s downtown.
CEO and developer of the project Tim Branscome is working with the Raleigh- based firm Louis Cherry Architecture under the creative direction of Brooklyn- based Standard Issue Design to transform a 90-year-old former textile mill into a modern multi-use creative hub. Created with entrepreneurs, designers and makers in mind, the space will house a collaborative co-working space, design resources, photo studios and numerous public spaces, including a café, retail, exhibition galleries and event venues—all designed to bring creative energy back to High Point, a historic epicenter of American furniture.
“Plant Seven represents a new approach for the city,” said Branscome. “It will allow for talent to emerge from the grassroots and our programming will speak to the next generation with a blend of art and design that will resonate internationally.”
Branscome, who is leading the overall vision for Plant Seven after spending more than two decades in the global furniture trade, teamed with Patrick Chapin, CEO, Business High Point and local business owners, including Mark Norcross, now chairman, to form HP365 LLC, the 501C3 non-profit behind Plant Seven. The property was purchased by David Congdon, Executive Chairman of Old Dominion Freight Line, to revitalize the city’s downtown year-round.
HP365 has received $3 million in funding, split between a $1.5 million grant from the State of North Carolina, and matched by donations from benefactors including Bill Millis, heir to the Millis family hosiery company that initially built the building, as well as High Point University and IMC.
Plant Seven will bring world-class design to High Point through a range of cultural projects, designed to engage the local community and visitors traveling for market.
Guests will be invited to explore the property and its range of permanent amenities, including the new Material ConneXion library, as well as renovated event, gallery and exhibition spaces, which will remain open throughout the course of the project. Plant Seven will also preview offerings coming in 2019, including co-working and fabrication facilities.
Plant Seven spaces to check out at the upcoming High Point Market include:
Special Exhibition: This Is Not A Chair at the Plant Seven Project Space: With the rise of the independent maker, the traditional furniture world is being challenged. This Is Not A Chair is intended to spark a dialog about the idea of furniture and its role in our lives. It will feature curated works by artists and designers practicing in a range of media and techniques whose oeuvre redefines furniture and function.
Design Shop Curated by Dezeen: The editors of Dezeen, the leading international architecture and design online magazine, have scoured the world and the South to bring you their favorite design finds. Discover a uniquely curated range of shoppable gifts from Southern makers including accessories and decor.
Draw Down Bookshop: Browse an assortment of design books about photography, graphics, architecture and interiors from Draw Down, the independent publisher and distributor.
Mill Collective: Visit the fourth edition of the biannual design and craftsmanship fair Mill Collective. Discover the latest from local exhibitors including Skram, Enkle Designs, Elijah Leed, BuzziSpace and more.
Material ConneXion: The leading materials resource by Sandow has opened at Plant Seven. Discover new materials and innovative solutions for interior design.
The Loft at Plant Seven: The Loft is a versatile event space at the top of Plant Seven.
Plant Seven CoWork Preview: Plant Seven’s future co-working space with a temporary lounge outfitted with products from Arper and BuzziSpace for market.
