A multi-million dollar, folk-art branded renovation of the historic Hi-Dollar tobacco warehouse to celebrate the work of Vollis Simpson, whose gallery park lies adjacent to the property. This project will house a Visitor Center, restaurant, and 94 apartments. The project includes making use of an existing light well, ramped floor, and deep crawlspace converted over to a habitable floor, all in coordination with the NC State Historic Preservation Office.

Challenges with this project were numerous. The failed historic basement stormwater system required a complete redesign. The historic roof structure required bracing throughout to counter leaning over time. Historic preservation requirements required inventive solutions in various areas of the building, and changing owner requirements required continuous redesign throughout the project. Cornerstone coordinated with all parties to achieve a beautiful end result with vaulted loft apartments, soaring open corridors, light wells, and a valued addition to Wilson NC’s downtown revitalization effort.