A New Home for Charlotte’s Oldest Gallery

Hodges Taylor, Charlotte’s longest-running gallery and consulting firm, relocated their home to Charlotte’s Rail Yard district and called on Gresham Smith to design their new space. With proximity to local retail shops and restaurants, Hodges Taylor wanted to capitalize on the increased foot traffic of their new location and create a space that draws in locals and tourists alike. Partnering with Ruard Veltman Architecture, Gresham Smith designed a contemporary space that elevates the visitor experience and embodies modern design with a Carolina twist. The gallery experience begins before stepping foot into the space, with a 10-foot high pivot glass door and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide full visibility of the gallery and capture the attention of patrons passing by. The neutral palette of white walls, light hardwood floors, and ample natural lighting create a warm and welcoming environment that draws in visitors and serves as the perfect canvas to showcase the gallery’s featured artwork. Varying ceiling heights and room sizes allow for flexibility in art installations, as well as add a visual element to divide up the space. Unlike traditional galleries, the design team chose to exclude a front desk reception area to remove the imaginary barrier into the space and encourage visitors to freely explore the gallery. Staying authentic to Hodges Taylor’s Carolina roots, the space’s furnishings were sourced from designers with ties to the Carolinas.