If These Walls Could Talk: Winston-Salem Businesses with a Past Life
Winston-Salem has a way of honoring its past while moving confidently into the future. Known for its deep industrial roots, the city has become a standout example of “adaptive reuse,” transforming historic buildings into vibrant, modern spaces. With Earth Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time to highlight how preserving and repurposing architecture isn’t just beautiful, it’s sustainable.
Industrial Past, Modern Energy
A perfect place to start is Salem Bottleworks, a former Coca-Cola bottling plant (1929) that’s been reimagined into a lively hub of local businesses. Once part of the city’s manufacturing backbone, the building now houses favorites like Bobby Boy Bakeshop, Noodle Ju’B, and Grandpa Joe’s Slaberia. While the tenants bring fresh energy, the structure itself still reflects its utilitarian roots with high ceilings, exposed materials, and a sense of history woven into every corner.
Nearby in Innovation Quarter, The Coal Pit is a standout example of industrial preservation done right. Once a working coal pit (1949) that powered the factories and warehouses of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and supported the livelihoods of many local workers, it sat dormant for nearly two decades after tobacco production left the city. Today, it has been reimagined as a vibrant outdoor gathering space, now anchored by popular spots like Incendiary Brewing and Cugino Forno. Traces of original machinery, including skeletal steel framing, brick walls, and the iconic tall smokestacks, still offer a glimpse into its storied past.
From Industry to Icon
The Nissen Building stands as a powerful example of Winston-Salem’s evolution from early industry to modern living. Built in 1926 by wagon manufacturer William Madison Nissen, whose family business once produced up to 10,000 wagons a year, the building reflected both his success and his vision for a growing, progressive city. At 18 stories, it was the tallest building in North Carolina at the time and showcased classic 1920s architectural details. Originally designed for commercial office use, much of its historic character has been preserved despite changes over the decades. In 2005, the building underwent a major adaptive reuse transformation and today features residential apartments above street-level commercial space, giving new life to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
From Private Homes to Public Spaces
Some of Winston-Salem’s most fascinating transformations come from former residences that now serve the public in new ways.
- Summit Street Inns, formerly the Ludlow and Sheppard Houses, offers guests the opportunity to stay in beautifully preserved historic homes. The Ludlow House (1887) is tied to Jacob Lott Ludlow, a key figure in the consolidation of Winston and Salem, while the Sheppard House (1893) was home to Benjamin J. Sheppard, a prominent tobacco dealer and business owner. Today, these dynamic properties blend rich local history with modern comfort, creating a truly unique and memorable stay.
- The Shaffner Inn, once the Henry F. Shaffner House (1907), co-founder of Wachovia Loan and Trust, blends elegant architecture with boutique hospitality.
- Manolo’s Boutique Wine & Bistro, formerly the Rosenbacher House (1912), transforms historic charm into a cozy dining experience.
- Bernardin’s Restaurant, housed in the historic Zevely House (1815), offers an elevated dining experience within one of the oldest surviving homes in the city
- Spring House Restaurant Kitchen & Bar, set in the 1920s Bahnson House, pairs upscale Southern cuisine with a beautifully restored historic residence.
- NCMA Winston-Salem and Hanes House have transformed James G. Hanes’s historic estate into a modern museum and picturesque music venue.
Reinventing Downtown Landmarks
Adaptive reuse isn’t limited to homes; it’s reshaping the city’s skyline and downtown core as well.
- Hotel Indigo Winston-Salem Downtown brings new life to the historic Pepper Building (1928).
- MUSE Winston-Salem now occupies the former U.S. Federal Bankruptcy Court, turning a place of legal proceedings into one of storytelling and community history.
- Twin City Lofts, once a J.C. Penney department store (1960s), has been transformed into unique residential living spaces.
- The Remedy occupies the iconic 1928 Summit Street Pharmacy building, with its name thoughtfully inspired by the structure’s original purpose.
The Classics
While this guide focuses on hidden and repurposed spaces, Winston-Salem is also home to well-known historic landmarks like:
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens preserves and reimagines an entire historic Moravian settlement, allowing visitors to experience 18th-century life through restored buildings and living history exhibits.
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art, once the estate of R.J. Reynolds, has been transformed into a premier art museum while maintaining the grandeur and character of the original home and surrounding gardens.
- Graylyn Estate, originally a private residence built in the 1930s, now serves as a conference center and event venue, offering visitors a chance to experience its historic elegance in a modern setting.
More Hidden Gems with a Past Life
- East of Texas (Walnut + Broad) → Former warehouse buildings part of the industrial area near Old Salem
- Lot #63 → served as part of the Moravian “community store” complex in Old Salem
- Lesser-Known Beer Company → 1928 Service Station
- Fiddlin’ Fish Brewery → 1900s tobacco warehouse, featuring reclaimed industrial windows from the old Nissen Works factory and 105-year-old heart pine for the bar
- Wise Man Brewing → (1929) former Angelo brothers building
- Lofts at Whitaker Park → part of R.J. Reynolds tobacco manufacturing operation
- Robert Hall → (early 1900s) doctor’s office then café
- Sawtooth School for Visual Art → 1911 Shamrock Mills building
Why It Matters
Adaptive reuse is more than a design trend, it’s a commitment to sustainability and preservation. By repurposing existing buildings, Winston-Salem reduces waste, conserves resources, and keeps its rich history alive in meaningful ways.
If you’re inspired to help protect and celebrate these kinds of historic resources, consider connecting with Preservation Forsyth and joining their efforts to keep Winston-Salem’s history alive for future generations.