Design Archives Vintage and Handmade Emporium is a shop full of smaller shops. Design Archives, owned by Kit Rodenbough, has been in downtown Greensboro since 2001. When we were downtown on Friday for the Festival of Lights, we noticed that the sign above the shop windows still has the advertisement for the previously store, Ellenberg and Shaffer Glass Art Studio. Ellenberg and Shaffer made leaded and stained glass windows. However, they have long moved on and are now located in Norfolk, Virginia. Also evident from the tile entranceway is the reminder that the building formerly housed Coble Hardware. Before that, the building was Greensboro Hardware. It dates to the early 20th century. Downtown Greensboro is so ripe for having someone research the history and provenance of these wonderful, historic buildings. So much of Greensboro's history can be unearthed by researching these buildings, businesses, and occupants. Perhaps we should interview Kit and see what she knows about this building that is on the National Register of Greensboro Historic District.* Please try to get by Design Archives and not only admire the historic building, but have a look at the wide variety of items available to purchase. From the kitschy to classy to handmade to items related to Greensboro, Design Archives has something for everybody. You will be supporting small businesses and shopping local, all under one roof!
In the meantime, we did want to mention that between Design Archives and Little Brother Brewing, Kit has announced that she is opening a doll shop. If you walk by the space, you will see floor to (almost) ceiling dolls, many of which are handmade. It will be fun to watch how Kit works her magic with this space. We'll go back and get a photo!
Happy Wednesday!
*Read more about on the National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form.
A colourful entrance.
Posted by: William Kendall | Wednesday, December 07, 2022 at 09:52 AM