DESIGNWORKS 2025

Asana Partners | Grinnell Water Works Lobby

Charlotte, NC

BB+M Architecture,  Charlotte

Built in 1930 as the manufacturing headquarters for the Grinnell Company, the century-old Water Works building has long been a landmark of the FreeMoreWest neighborhood. Converted to office space in 2001, the building quickly became sought after by creative tenants due to its unique architectural features, including sawtooth skylights, large expanses of leaded windows, & exposed structure.

While the tenant suites adapted over time to suit each new use, the lobby was neglected except for the occasional chair replacement. Instead of creating a memorable first impression, it was a forgettable zone that functioned merely as a pass-through to the restrooms. The slate floor, CMU walls, & glass clerestory created problematic acoustics, making private conversations or phone calls nearly impossible. While natural lighting is abundant in the space, the existing grey-tone finishes made the area feel dim even on the brightest days.

The client’s goal in renovating the lobby was to breathe new life into the space by creating a vibrant, centralized gathering point for both tenants and guests. Preservation of the existing building structure and demising walls was imperative – not only to maintain the building’s historic character but also to comply with local Preservation Council guidelines, since portions of the interior are listed on the Historic Register.