Even with Market Square in operation, the 1980s saw continued demand for showrooms. To provide additional space, the Commerce and Design Building was constructed at Commerce and South Elm Streets. The architect's model seen here shows the original plan: sixteen stories high with 350,000 square feet of showroom space. However, alterations to the design resulted in a much different building, completed in October 1987: nine stories tall with 270,000 square feet of showrooms. The architects were Reynolds, Smith & Hill of Greensboro.

1999.022.001