Revitalizing a 130-year-old textile factory into a combined city hall and civic center came with many challenges. The design of Commerce Civic Center sought to consolidate city departments to improve operational efficiency and collaboration, while also providing a large, flexible space for civic and community events. Specific program needs included dedicated municipal offices and council chambers on the second and third floors, while the ground floor was designed to be an open space for community functions, ensuring connectivity to the city. A central atrium was incorporated to unite the two spaces while also creating a bright gathering area with many large windows.

Due to the age and state of the building, the team first started with a thorough facility assessment to clearly understand and document the current state of the structure. Through the assessment, the team got a better understanding of what could be preserved despite the age of the building and its infrastructure. The project faced unique challenges and space constraints in the process of renovations, particularly because it was difficult to preserve significant portions of the original materials and finishes while also integrating modern amenities and flexible spaces.
The programming inside the building is thoughtfully organized to foster connectivity. The location of the civic center provides easy access and integration with downtown pedestrian activity. This placement encourages community engagement and supports a variety of public events such as art galleries, open markets and weddings, all reinforcing the role of the building as a civic and cultural hub.
The upgraded event spaces on the ground floor allow the city to be more supportive of the community than before. There is one large event space with various partitions that can be split into multiple event spaces. These event spaces were designed for wedding use, but also for general events, plus an outdoor courtyard. Before the project was even completed, there were weddings already booked for the large event space. It makes the city money and encourages citizens to come downtown and spend money in the area.
The upper floors house city hall offices and council chambers, which meet modern needs while reflecting the building’s historic charm. This maximizes the use of the existing structure while also enhancing the relationship between public and administrative spaces.
By preserving and celebrating the original building’s features, the project demonstrates a deep understanding of the connection between the built and natural environment. The integration of the new Commerce Civic Center within the downtown fabric, as well as preservation of historic elements and creation of community spaces, all contribute to a design that is intentional and forward-looking.