THE
DESIGN COLLABORATIVE
SHELBY CITY PAVILION
ORIGINS OF THE SHELBY CITY PAVILION
Shelby is a small town, County Seat in rural North Carolina. Agriculture has long been a big part of the area. The local Farmers’ Market did not have a place to meet, so every Saturday part of the uptown streets were blocked off so they could set up shop. This project began as a place for the Farmers’ Market to have a covered open-air market. The City donated a large parking lot to the project which was only two blocks from the Court Square but in a run-down area of the City. The parking lot had a very gentle but distinguishable slope. As we began the design people began to realize this design and site had incredible potential. The project soon morphed from just a shelter for the Farmers’ Market into a City Pavilion which could also host concerts, out gatherings and more. The final design became a multi-purpose outdoor events arena that could hold nearly 1,000 people.
HUGE BOOST TO UPTOWN
The beautiful new events space immediately began bringing scores of people to the area nearly every day. Within just a couple of years two new restaurants and several new businesses opened on the same block or across the street. The success of this project was the catalyst for great economic growth.
"BEST OUTDOOR SPACE IMPROVEMENT"
In 2017 this project was presented the Award of Merit for “Best Outdoor Space Improvement” by North Carolina Main Street Center. Revitalization of rural uptowns is very important in North Carolina and Shelby is one of the leaders in the State. We are glad to have a part in that for Shelby.
USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOAN
What made this project possible was the collaboration of over ten different public and private entities. One of those was a long-term, very low interest loan provided by the USDA Rural Development program. To qualify for these loans the design team plays an integral part during the design process, approval process and construction process. These long-term low interest loans are sometimes the difference between being able to do a project or not.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
Upland Architects has the expertise and experience to navigate the waters of loans furnished by the USDA Rural Development Program. Also, we love to help bring your unusual projects to life!