by Buying group plans to hold grand opening for building at 336 S. Main St. in October 2023
HIGH POINT – Retail buying group Furniture First said it has completed the purchase of a building at 336 S. Main Street for a new 40,000-square-foot building.
The site, occupied by the Plaza Café since 1989, will have four floors and multiple outdoor entertainment areas. Furniture First said it will occupy the first two floors and lease the third and fourth floors.
The buying group currently leases 5,000 square feet in space G770 of the International Home Furnishings Center. This will replace that space, and a grand opening is planned for October 2023.
“We are all very excited for the opportunity to mold our two-floor showroom to our members’ needs,” said Andrew Kauffman, CEO of Furniture First in a statement. “We will also have space for our service partners who wish to be there, and a greater opportunity to showcase products from our merchandise partners.
He added that the facility will serve members who are “always looking for a place to get together to share ideas – networking is important to them.” He noted that the second floor of the building will house meeting rooms for the board and its performance groups. In addition there will be a conference room designed to accommodate up to 30.
“The dream of having our own showroom building in High Point has been discussed by the board and staff for many years,” said Eric Sinclair, board chair. “We feel now is the time to invest in a building that will be an asset and the location is prime. Much of the recent expansion in High Point has been in that area. We designed a building with a tremendous wow factor and can’t wait for it to be completed.”
The facility is being designed by Freeman Kennett Architects and will be constructed by Dunbar & Smith Contracting. Furniture First also is working with Marc DeLille of Price Commercial Properties to lease the other two floors and said it is close to securing two tenants for that space.
“Marc is a tremendous asset and is very connected to High Point and the home furnishings industry,” Kauffman said. “We have no doubt we will be fully leased quite quickly.”
