The Common Market has become a Charlotte institution. The owners’ original concept seemed simple — a modern take on the general stores of the past. Always a neighborhood gathering place, the market grew into a deli, then a pub, then a music venue. The South End store (the Common Market’s 2nd location) opened in 2008 and immediately became the neighborhood hub. Unfortunately, the South End location closed in 2016 when the site was sold to make way for an office building.

By design or by osmosis, the Common Market again takes on the look and feel of its neighborhood — that’s a big part of the appeal, and it was one of the clients’ requirements for the new building. The structure is about 5000 square feet. The design combines a brick warehouse with a pre-engineered metal structure. The overall feel is industrial, but the addition of local art and other knick-knacks gives it a homey, kitschy atmosphere. To finalize the Common Market look, hand-picked décor from the original location was brought in, and the staff rotates through other artistic touches as the mood grabs them.
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Completed: 2018